Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering and supporting the students of Cleburne ISD! We are incredibly grateful for your willingness to give your time, share your talents and be part of our schools and student experiences.

When you volunteer or serve as a chaperone, you take on an important role in helping create a safe, supportive environment for our students. Student safety is our highest priority, which is why Cleburne ISD requires fingerprint-based background checks for volunteers and chaperones who meet district requirements.

We know this process takes time and effort, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation. We’ve broken it down step by step to make the process as clear and easy to navigate as possible.

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and for being part of Jacket Nation!

As of July 1, 2027, all CISD volunteers will be required to complete the fingerprinting process and background check.

Steps to becoming a volunteer

1. Submit Your Information

Start by completing the required Volunteer Background Check Form. You will also need to provide a copy or photo of your valid driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport.

Complete the Volunteer Background Check Form

2. We'll Check Your Fingerprinting Status

Once you submit the form, the district will check to see whether you have previously completed the required fingerprinting process.

Already fingerprinted? You may not need to be fingerprinted again.

Not fingerprinted? We'll send you an email with instructions and information for scheduling your appointment with our approved fingerprinting provider.

3. Complete Fingerprinting, If Needed

If you need to be fingerprinted, schedule and attend your appointment with the approved provider. Be sure to bring the identification listed in your instructions.

Fingerprinting costs approximately $47, paid directly to the approved provider at the time of your appointment.

Good news: This is a one-time cost. Once you have been fingerprinted, you will not need to have your fingerprints taken again each year.

4. CISD will Complete the Clearance Process

After your fingerprints are processed, the district will complete the required clearance and subscription process.

If you have previously been fingerprinted under Local Education Entities, we may be able to access your existing record through the Texas DPS FACT Clearinghouse and complete the required subscription without requiring you to be fingerprinted again.

5. District & Campus Review

Once the required fingerprinting and background check process is complete, Human Resources will review and determine your eligibility to volunteer or serve as a chaperone.

If approved, your name will be added to the appropriate campus-approved volunteer/chaperone list. If there is an issue that affects your eligibility, Human Resources or the district will contact you with additional information or instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the fingerprinting and approval process take?

Please plan ahead!

Already fingerprinted: Approximately 5 business days for the clearance and approval process.
Need to be fingerprinted: Approximately 2 weeks or longer, depending on appointment availability and processing times.

We recommend starting the process as soon as possible, especially if you are planning to volunteer or chaperone for an upcoming event.

Do I have to complete the fingerprinting process every year?

Will I receive an email when I am approved?

Can I volunteer or chaperone while my fingerprint clearance is being processed?

What if I need to volunteer or chaperone for an upcoming event?

Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS)

Make a Difference. Get Involved. Be a Jacket.

Cleburne ISD believes our schools are stronger when our community is involved. Through Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS), parents, grandparents, community members, retirees and other caring adults have the opportunity to give their time and talents to support students and staff across our campuses.

Whether you have a few hours a week or can help with a special project, there is a place for you in VIPS. Volunteers may assist with reading, tutoring, mentoring, classroom projects, campus activities, special events and much more.

Your time matters. Your support matters. And our students benefit from having you in their corner.

Ready to Volunteer?

Getting started is easy. Complete the required volunteer and background check process, participate in required training and connect with your campus to learn about available opportunities.

VIPS Resources

VIPS Handbook (English)

VIPS Handbook (Spanish)
Review the Cleburne ISD Volunteers in Public Schools Handbook for program guidelines, expectations, responsibilities and helpful information for volunteers.

VIPS Orientation & Training
Learn about upcoming district VIPS orientation and training opportunities, including important information about volunteering in Cleburne ISD.

VIPS Participation Information Form
Complete the VIPS Participation Information Form to let us know your interests, availability and the ways you would like to serve.

Your Campus Is Your Best Resource

Once you complete the district requirements, your campus VIPS coordinator or campus administrator will help connect you with volunteer opportunities.

For questions about specific volunteer opportunities, campus events, field trips or chaperone needs, please contact your campus directly. Each campus may have different volunteer opportunities and procedures.

Thank You for Serving Our Students

Thank you for sharing your time, talents and encouragement with Cleburne ISD. Every hour spent helping a student, supporting a teacher or strengthening a campus makes a difference.

We’re glad to have you as part of Jacket Nation!

Helpful Links

Mentor's Care

Be the Person Who Makes a Difference

Every student deserves to have someone in their corner.

Mentor's Care is a mentoring opportunity at Cleburne High School that connects caring adults with students who can benefit from an additional positive, supportive relationship.

Mentors have the opportunity to encourage students, listen to their experiences, help them navigate challenges and remind them that someone believes in them. Sometimes, making a difference starts with simply showing up and being there.

What Does a Mentor Do?

Mentoring is about building a positive, consistent relationship with a student. Depending on the student's needs and the mentoring opportunity, mentors may:

Spend time talking and listening to a student
Encourage students in their academic and personal goals
Provide positive reinforcement and support
Help students build confidence and self-advocacy skills
Share life experiences and offer perspective
Encourage students to stay connected and engaged at school
Be a consistent, caring adult presence

You don't have to be an educator to be a mentor. You just need to be willing to invest your time, listen and make a difference.

When Does Mentoring Take Place?

Mentor's Care meetings take place during school hours at Cleburne High School, between 8:15 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Mentors should not arrange to meet with students outside of these designated hours or independently of the Mentor's Care program. These expectations are reviewed during required mentor training and outlined in the program guidelines that mentors acknowledge.

Who Can Become a Mentor?

Mentor's Care welcomes caring adults who are interested in making a positive impact on the lives of Cleburne High School students.

Mentors must complete the district's required volunteer and background check process before working with students. Additional program requirements may apply.

What Can I Expect?

Mentors should be prepared to:

Build a positive and respectful relationship with a student
Maintain appropriate boundaries
Respect student privacy and confidentiality
Follow all Cleburne ISD policies and procedures
Communicate consistently with the appropriate campus staff
Be dependable and committed to the mentoring relationship
Complete any required training or orientation

Interested in Becoming a Mentor?

We would love to hear from you!

Mentor's Care is currently offered at Cleburne High School. Because mentoring opportunities and student needs can vary, the best way to learn more about the program, current opportunities and how to get involved is to contact Caroline Kelm directly.

Thank You for Investing in Our Students

Thank you for considering giving your time and encouragement to a Cleburne High School student. A consistent, caring adult can make a lasting difference in a young person's life.

Contact

Caroline Kelm
carolinek@c-isd.com

Thank you for taking this important step to help keep our students safe. We are grateful for the time, energy and support you bring to Cleburne ISD, and we look forward to having you as part of Jacket Nation!

Have Questions?

We're happy to help!

Questions about the fingerprinting process?

Jessica Stone

jstone@c-isd.com

817-202-1113

Questions about volunteering?

Dr. Amber White

awhite@c-isd.com

817-202-1127

Questions About Your Campus or an Upcoming Event

For campus-specific information, including volunteer opportunities, campus requirements, field trips, chaperone needs, event details, or whether you have been approved to volunteer or chaperone, please contact your campus directly.

Your campus will be able to provide the most up-to-date information about volunteer opportunities and specific events.