School Law Bulletin #1997/01

This article begins a four-part series discussing issues of liability in school volunteer programs and mechanisms for keeping harmful situations to a minimum. Part I discusses a volunteer’s potential liability for harm he or she causes during school service. Part II, which will appear in the next issue of School Law Bulletin, will consider a school board’s potential liability for negligent selection, supervision, and retention of school volunteers. Part III, in the fall, will discuss the prospect of vicarious school board liability for negligent harm caused by or to volunteers. Part IV, next winter, will conclude the series with suggestions for minimizing harm in volunteer programs.