We have strict confidentiality guidelines in our county. One of the main things I did at the volunteering trainings I put together is have a staff member (usually principal) to the confidentiality training. It is a district policy for staff members and volunteers to have this every year. At each training I've been to over the past several years the guidelines have been broken down. I too am from a very small town with...inquisitive people. Ok we are a bunch of busy bodies. It is easy to let things slip and some people do not realize they are interfearing with privacy issues until they have been properly trained. List a few things that are not acceptable such as someone saying : "You know that little Susie, John's and Jane's daughter, is a such a little bully." Simple but understood. Perhaps you should have a special meeting just for this reason and let the super or someone talk about it's importance. I am sure most of your volunteers aren't saying things that would deliberately hurt anyone.
ALL volunteers at our school must have confidentiality training with the principal before they can volunteer at our school. They also must have a background check. Obviously, there is no way to keep someone from talking other than ban them from the school. ha ha But, it is explained to them how serious it can be if they do. It could result in a lawsuit against the school which could ultimately cause the school to lose funding. And they are reminded to think how they would feel if it was their child being discussed. I take it very seriously. I just wish everyone did.
Sounds like you have a specific worry (else why would you be going to the school board and an attorney). We might need more specifics to offer real feedback.
Certainly, respecting privacy and how to deal with private information gleaned via volunteering are great topics for a volunteer manual.
Hi recently posted about the clinic and privacy, which has it's one set of issues, but what are PTO's doing about the vast number of volunteers at the school, and privacy.
We have moms that alomost live in the school volunteering, and I just wonder, this being the small, gossiping community it is how others handle this. We have a huge parent involvement rate, tons of fundraisers, loads of mom's on the playground each day, and information can easily be included in a conversation that should not be.
Any ieads. I need help. I have contacted our board, who is contacting the attorney for the school system. I was just wondering how others handle this.
Thank you
Judy
It is easy to let things slip and some people do not realize they are interfearing with privacy issues until they have been properly trained. List a few things that are not acceptable such as someone saying : "You know that little Susie, John's and Jane's daughter, is a such a little bully." Simple but understood. Perhaps you should have a special meeting just for this reason and let the super or someone talk about it's importance. I am sure most of your volunteers aren't saying things that would deliberately hurt anyone. 
