* * * ** SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Revised

The GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2 Blackburn Drive Tel: 978-281-9800

Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930 Fax: 978-281-9899 www.gloucesterschools.com

Our Mission is for all Students to be Successful, Engaged, Lifelong Learners

Revised

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, December 18, 2019 7:00 pm

District Office – Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930

AGENDA

Meetings are recorded

I. CALL TO ORDER/Statement of Mission II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG

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IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON V. RECOGNITIONS

VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL VII. CONSENT AGENDA

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1. School Committee of September 25, 2019 2. Program Sub-Committee of October 10, 2019

3. Building & Finance Sub-Committee of October 16, 2019

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School Committee Meeting Agenda, December 18, 2019 Page 2

D. Referrals

1. GHS Turnaround Plan

a. Building & Finance Sub-Committee for the purpose of identifying funds that may be required

b. Program Sub-Committee to review the action plan

c. Personnel Sub-Committee to review the aspect of absenteeism

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1. Lueders Environmental, Inc. in the amount of $75

2. Hockmeyer by Barksdale in the amount of $638.64 to Veterans’ Memorial Elementary School

3. Hockmeyer by Barksdale in the amount of $307.25 to Beeman Memorial Elementary School

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1. Joyce M. Lucido Memorial Community Service Scholarship in the amount of

$500 annually

VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. YMCA Update/Report

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IX. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (Items listed under X. ACTION may be brought forward with reports)

A. Personnel Sub-Committee of December 11, 2019 — Chairperson Melissa Teixeira Prince

Agenda Item: Discussion of the Superintendent’s Search Process – Dorothy Presser, MASC

B. Program Sub-Committee of December 12, 2019 — Chairperson Kathy Clancy Agenda Items: Draft Proposal on Crowdfunding and GHS Attendance Language

C. Building & Finance Sub-Committee Meetings of December 18, 2019 — Chairperson Tony Gross

Agenda Items: Financial Reports, DPW Open & Closed Tickets, Food Services Budget Report, Superintendent Search Funding, Food Service Obligations, Revolving Funds, Budget Transfers, Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Vape Detectors, Walk to School, and Booster Organizations Policy

School Committee Meeting Agenda, December 18, 2019 Page 3 X. ACTION

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1. DESE Targeted Assistance Grant in the amount of $17,500

2. Gloucester Education Foundation Grant in the amount of $1,400 for the GHS Spring 2020 Musical Production

B. To Engage MASC as a Consultant for the Upcoming Superintendent Search

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XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS A. Massachusetts School Building Authority Project Update

B. Preschool Location XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

A. For the purpose of discussing GTA Negotiations B. For the purpose of discussion a GTA Grievance ADJOURNMENT

The listing of matters is those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting.

Not all items may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Action items may include motions that come out of sub-committees.

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For items that are on the agenda, members of the public may address the Committee with the permission of the Chair. Persons speaking under Oral Communications shall be limited to three (3) minutes each and shall submit a copy of their prepared communication to the Recording Secretary. The School Committee Chair shall not allow complaints as to individual performance or character.

VII.A.

THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.

School Committee Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA

7:00 p.m.

Members Present Administration Present

Jonathan Pope, Chairman Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent

Kathy Clancy, Vice Chairperson Gregg Bach, Asst. Superintendent

Tony Gross, Secretary Gary Frisch, Director of Finance

Michelle Sweet and Operations

Joel Favazza

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken (7:28 p.m.)

Recorded by 1623 Studios I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Pope called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and stated the

mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.

II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG

III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.

IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – None.

V. RECOGNITIONS – Chairman Pope recognized the members of the East Gloucester School Building Committee for putting in many hours on the project, noting that they are all

volunteers and take their commitment to trying to get a new school for the city seriously.

VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL – Isabella Canning introduced herself and updated the committee on the following events at GHS: freshmen elections, Homecoming Week, Spirit Week themes, pep rally, new homeroom policy, and two foreign exchange students. In response to a question from Dr. Safier, Ms. Canning indicated that the new extended homeroom is working out well and gives students time to prepare for classes.

VII. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes

1. Building & Finance Subcommittee of June 19, 2019 2. Program Subcommittee of June 24, 2019

B. Approval of Warrants C. Approval of Transfers

School Committee Meeting Minutes – September 25, 2019 – Page 2

D. Referrals

E. Donation from YourCause, LLC Trustee for Wells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gifts Program

On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously VOTED: 5 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the Consent Agenda as noted.

VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. Presentation Update on East Gloucester School Building Project – Michele

Rogers of Dore & Whittier updated the committee on the Preferred Schematic Report with a slide show, including the goal of submitting the report to the MSBA by

October 23, 2019, educational program needs, site location and site circulation, site amenities, building and design, cost, time to completion of project, time to

completion of Elementary School Master Plan, the estimated costs and scores of the original nine options, and the design of the two options that were chosen by the School Building Committee (SBC), namely a 440-student school at Veterans or Green Street site. Brad Dore pointed out that they have not yet started the schematic design phase of the project, so the costs of the options are comparative to each other.

Chairman Pope stated that the SBC will be meeting tomorrow to talk about the criteria that will be used to choose the final site. Mr. Favazza expressed concern that the criteria for site selection is changing at this point in the process. Mr. Dore

explained that the criteria are not being changed; the committee is just taking what has already been established and looking at other perspectives.

There was a discussion about the timeline. Ms. Rogers indicated that if we miss the October 23rd deadline, it will push the project back by about three months, which will delay the opening of the new school and increase the cost of the project.

Next steps: The SBC will meet tomorrow to discuss the two sites and again on October 3rd to vote on the final site. The School Committee will vote on October 9th on whether to approve the recommendation of the SBC. The Preferred Schematic Report will be submitted to the MSBA on October 23rd. There will be a meeting with the MSBA on December 11th, at which they will hopefully approve the Preferred Schematic Report and authorize us to go forward with the Schematic Design. The Schematic Design will be done in late March/early April and then approved by MSBA. The city will then have 120 days to secure financing for the project. A debt exclusion vote will take place at the end of May/beginning of June.

B. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Safier updated the committee on the following matters:

School Committee Meeting Minutes – September 25, 2019 – Page 3

1. An Act Relative to Educational Opportunity for Students 2. Teacher Evaluation Workshop for New Hires

3. Changes to ELA MCAS Test Design

On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to accept the Superintendent’s Report.

IX. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting of September 18, 2019 – Mr. Gross reported that the Building & Finance Subcommittee discussed the following matters at its meeting of September 18, 2019:

1. Food Service Profit & Loss – Martha Jo Fleming confirmed that participation has remained the same over the last few years. She indicated that three ovens at GHS do not work and the other three do not work well, which limits meal selections. The committee requested that she put together a list of all kitchen equipment that is obsolete or does not work. Chairman Pope noted that Ms. Fleming invited School Committee members to have lunch at one of the cafeterias and noted that her staff would appreciate it.

2. Vaping Detectors – James Cook will be contacting administrators in Georgetown and Marblehead to find out if and how their vaping detectors work and will report back to the subcommittee at the next meeting. Dr. Safier reported that he spoke to the health director and that she will be doing some research on this matter, as well.

(At this time, the agenda was taken out of order.) X. ACTION

D. Authorization to Close Revolving Accounts – Chairman Pope reported that the following accounts have been inactive for at least three years and Mr. Frisch has recommended closing them and transferring the funds to the general fund.

After discussion, on a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed, to authorize the CFO to close the Day Care revolving account with a balance of $179.14.

After discussion, on a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed, to authorize the CFO to close the Insurance Reimbursement revolving account with a balance of $22,500.00.

School Committee Meeting Minutes – September 25, 2019 – Page 4

After discussion, on a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed, to authorize the CFO to close the Environmental Partnership revolving account with a balance of $1,077.00.

After discussion, on a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed, to authorize the CFO to close the Hampton Hill revolving account with a balance of $146.64.

E. Increase Security Guard Hourly Rate – After discussion, on a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed, to increase the hourly rate for part-time security guards to the minimum wage of $12.00 per hour and to keep pace with minimum wage going forward.

IX. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS (Cont’d)

B. Ad Hoc Memorial Subcommittee Meeting of September 19, 2019 – Mr. Gross reported that the Ad Hoc Memorial Subcommittee discussed two requests at its meeting of September 19, 2019, namely a request by Bill Goodwin to name the GHS weight room for Greg Swinson and a request from Bob Roland to name the GHS baseball field at O’Maley for Gerry O’Neil. Since School Committee policy prevents naming spaces for anyone, it was suggested that a plaque be placed in the weight room to acknowledge Mr. Swinson’s contributions and dedication and that the “Gerry O’Neil Outstanding Service Award” be established to recognize people who have done exceptional work for Gloucester Athletics and that a plaque be placed at the baseball field with the names of the award recipients.

X. ACTION (Cont’d)

A. Acceptance of Grants

1. 21st Century Community Learning Grant – Mr. Bach discussed the funding of this grant.

After discussion, on a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to accept the 21st Century Learning Grant in the amount of $140,250.00.

School Committee Meeting Minutes – September 25, 2019 – Page 5

2. Northeast Youth Coalition Grant – After discussion, on a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to accept the Northeast Youth Coalition grant in the amount of $500.00 to Gloucester High School.

3. Gloucester Education Foundation Grants – After discussion, on a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to accept three grants totaling $27,245.00 from the Gloucester Education Foundation, one in the amount of $6,550.00 for after-school music, one in the amount of

$3,500.00 for ballroom dancing, and one in the amount of

$17,195.00 for ElectroGo at O’Maley.

B. Approval of Nurse Appointment – Chairman Pope indicated that this approval is required by state law.

On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the appointment of Theresa Engleman as the Gloucester Preschool nurse.

C. School Committee Certification Regarding Consolidated East

Gloucester/Veterans’ Memorial Elementary School – Chairman Pope reported that the MSBA requested this vote.

On a motion by Mr. Favazza, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was

VOTED: 5 in favor, 1 present (Mayor Theken) to reaffirm the School

Committee’s vote of August 24, 2016 to consolidate the number of elementary schools from five to three.

On a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was unanimously VOTED: 0 in favor, 6 opposed to reconsider the above vote to reaffirm

consolidating the number of elementary schools from five to three.

The motion failed.

XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS

A. MSBA Project Update – See VIII.A. Chairman Pope reported that the final papers to close out the GHS roof project have been signed and that the project came in under budget.

B. Preschool Location – Chairman Pope reported that the city is still in negotiations to purchase the Blackburn building.

School Committee Meeting Minutes – September 25, 2019 – Page 6

C. Email dated 9/17/19 from Fire Chief Eric Smith – FYI.

D. Email dated 9/18/19 from City Building Commissioner William Sanborn – FYI.

E. Carbon Monoxide Alarms – Mr. Favazza requested a report on whether any of the schools have carbon monoxide alarms. This matter was referred to the Building &

Finance Subcommittee.

XII. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously

VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the School Committee Meeting of September 25, 2019 at 8:33 p.m.

All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.

Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary

VII.A.2.

THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.

Program Subcommittee Meeting Minutes

Thursday, October 10, 2019 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930

5:00 p.m.

Members Present Administration Present

Kathy Clancy, Chairperson Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent (6:02) Michelle Sweet, Vice Chairperson James Cook, GHS Principal

______________________________________________________________________________

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Clancy called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. and stated the mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.

II. REPORTS/DELIBERATIONS/DISCUSSION (At this time, the agenda was taken out of order.)

B. Crowdfunding Background Information and Model Policies – Dr. Safier reported that he recently listened to a webinar sponsored by MASS and produced by donorschoose.org.

He reviewed the recommendations from the webinar on what districts should do to ensure that teachers are making requests appropriately. He noted that the webinar also talked about financial accountability, ownership of materials and supplies, and safety and

privacy of students. There was a discussion about the district pre-approving websites that can be used for crowdfunding, and the committee reviewed the model crowdfunding policy provided by Dr. Safier. Dr. Safier also provided Shrewsbury’s crowdfunding policy, which he will incorporate into a draft policy to be discussed at the next meeting.

A. Attendance Language Regarding Absences – Chairperson Clancy indicated that she has heard criticism from many parents about the term “unexcused absence” in reference to an absence for a sick day and is wondering if there is a different term that can be used to describe that kind of absence. Dr. Safier noted that students are allowed six absences per quarter before any potential consequences are incurred, and there is an opportunity to appeal unexcused absences. Mr. Cook stated that Beverly High School uses the terms

“documented absence,” which does not count toward the number of days allowed,

“excused absence,” which is for sick days called in by a parent, and “unexcused

absence,” which means the student is truant. Dr. Safier indicated that he and Mr. Cook will come up with some language defining the term “unexcused absence” to be included in the GHS handbook, which will be reviewed at the next meeting.

D. Study Halls at GHS – Chairperson Clancy reported that Joel Favazza had requested that this matter be put on the agenda to discuss why there are no study halls at GHS anymore.

Mr. Cook reported that study halls that are not directed by a teacher do not count towards the 990 hours required for structured learning time, which was part of the decision to

Program Subcommittee Minutes of October 10, 2019 – Page 2

eliminate study halls. He noted that there was an attempt to implement directed study halls, but they were more supervised than directed and were supposed to be used to help students who were going from a College Prep level to an Honors level or an Honors level to an AP level. However, in practice, the study halls were used for students who were failing a class and were a discipline problem. Mr. Cook also noted that the teacher duty for study hall was negotiated out of the GTA contract.

Mr. Cook reported that in lieu of bringing study halls back, there is an extended

homeroom period every three days where students are able to complete work. He noted that those periods are also used for student assemblies, class meetings, senior pictures, freshmen elections, and senior meetings with guidance counselors, without having to take students out of class.

Dr. Safier reported that state law indicates that non-directed study halls do not count toward the minimum 990 hours of structured learning time. He indicated that the time on learning at the high school is now 999 hours and 44 minutes, and adding a study hall every day would deduct about 135 hours from that time on learning. He noted that if directed study halls are implemented, class sizes would go up or more teachers would need to be hired. Mr. Cook stated that rather than looking at directed study halls, they are doing things like an Academic Skills and Practice class and morphing the SAT prep class into a math intervention class.

C. Mad Hot Ball Program/Consideration of Instructional Practice – Dr. Safier indicated that he has no problem with the gender equity issue that was raised by Joel Favazza (i.e.

girls leading dances) and indicated that he will ask Gregg Bach to discuss this matter with the elementary music teachers and Miss Tina.

III. ACTION – None.

IV. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Chairperson Clancy, it was unanimously

VOTED: 2 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the Program Subcommittee Meeting of October 10, 2019 at 5:52 p.m.

All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.

Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary

VII.A.3.

THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.

Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA

5:00 p.m.

Members Present Administration Present

Tony Gross, Chairman Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent Kathy Clancy, Vice Chairperson Gary Frisch, Director of Finance

Jonathan Pope, Member and Operations

Martha Jo Fleming, Food Service Director James Cook, GHS Principal

Cody Marshall, Accounts and Budget Specialist

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Gross called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.

II. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REPORT

Food Service Equipment Replacement List – Ms. Fleming and the committee reviewed the list of kitchen equipment in the CFO’s Report that needs to be replaced, and Ms. Fleming indicated that she had not seen this list until now. She indicated that the top priority is the ovens at the high school, followed by the steamer at Beeman.

Chairman Gross noted that the costs indicated do not include installation. Ms. Fleming indicated that Chris Rose at GHS often disconnects equipment for her and then reconnects new equipment, even though he is not supposed to be touching the equipment. She noted that it would be cheaper to pay DPW workers overtime than to pay Boston Mechanical to install the equipment. Mr. Frisch stated that Mike Hale has been adamant about not working on food service equipment because he does not want the responsibility.

Chairman Gross noted that the money from the closed revolving accounts will cover the GHS ovens and the tabletop steam kettle at Plum Cove and indicated that the CFO’s Report

suggests that the Main Office contingency account could be used for the rest of the items on the list. Mr. Frisch reported that the city auditor notified him this afternoon that the

revolving accounts were closed to FY19 and not FY20, so that money is gone. The committee expressed their displeasure with that, noting that that was not the vote of the School Committee. Chairman Gross stated that he will call the auditor tomorrow and ask that it be reversed or the funds returned to the district from free cash.

Mr. Frisch reported that the district received $164,000 more than he had anticipated in Circuit Breaker funds. He recommended transferring those funds to the contingency account and then purchasing the equipment out of the contingency account. Chairman Gross

B&F Subcommittee Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2019 – Page 2

indicated that the Circuit Breaker funds should not be referred to as contingency; the district has that money and it allows for more flexibility.

Ms. Fleming reported that nine drawers in the stainless steel work tables (6 at O’Maley and 3 at GHS) do not have stoppers on them and frequently fall out. She indicated that Mr. Frisch told her that the DPW will not repair them and the cost to replace the tables is $10,449.

Mr. Pope indicated that he will look at the drawers. Ms. Fleming also reported that some heavy duty shelving is needed at O’Maley, and Chairman Gross suggested that the GHS carpentry students could provide that.

Ms. Fleming reported that she has spent about $20,000 on repairs so far this year. Chairman Gross requested a report on what was spent last year on repairs. Mr. Frisch stated that

$81,000 was spent last year between purchases and service of equipment. Ms. Fleming indicated that ovens at two of the schools were replaced last year at a cost of $10,000. She noted that in prior years, Tom Lafleur moved money paid for repairs out of Food Service and into the general fund. Mr. Marshall reported that about $63,000 was paid to Mechanical Air last year for repairs to freezers and ovens. Ms. Fleming noted that the Board of Health came to GHS last week and commented on the rusty floor in the walk-in refrigerator, so that needs to be replaced.

Chairman Gross asked Ms. Fleming to prioritize the complete list of equipment that needs to be replaced as high, medium and low priority. An additional subcommittee meeting was scheduled for October 30th at 5:00 p.m. to review that list.

III. REPORTS/DELIBERATIONS/DISCUSSIONS (At this time, the agenda was taken out of order.)

G. Vaping Detectors – Kathy Clancy reported that Amy Epstein of the Gloucester Health Department attended a Wellness Committee meeting and indicated that she believes kids will find another place to vape if there are detectors in the bathrooms.

Mr. Cook reported that vape detectors are most effective as a deterrent. He indicated that Georgetown uses FlySense devices, and he reviewed how they are installed, the cost of the units, the activation fee, and the annual subscription fee. The committee discussed where the notification goes, the response time to the notification, and the identification of who was vaping. Chairman Gross stated that he expects the installation costs will be substantial.

Mr. Cook stated that he believes the vaping ban has resulted in a reduction of vaping at GHS and indicated that the main focus there has been on getting students help with quitting. He noted that he has not looked at where the initial $10,000 would come from and indicated that there are other things he could be doing with that money. He does believe it is worthwhile to go forward with the next step and suggested that Grant Harris look into the installation costs. This matter will be discussed further at the November meeting.

B&F Subcommittee Meeting Minutes – October 16, 2019 – Page 3

F. Budget Transfers – The committee reviewed the September budget transfers. There was a discussion about the DPW responding to alarms at the schools and then

charging the district for those responses.

On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Mr. Pope, it was unanimously

VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to recommend to the full School Committee that we approve the September budget transfers, as presented.

I. Advertising on Food Service Vehicle – Mr. Frisch reported that Brad Sudbay would like to put the dealership’s name on the vehicle they provided to the district.

Mr. Pope made a motion, seconded by Kathy Clancy, to allow Sudbay Chevrolet to advertise on the Food Service delivery vehicle. Chairman Gross requested that Mr. Frisch ask Sudbay’s to include “GPS Food Service” on the vehicle and send a proof to be reviewed by the committee at the October 30th meeting. Mr. Pope withdrew his motion.

H. Walker Safety – Mr. Pope requested that this matter be tabled. He would like an update from the DPW on the sidewalks on Dr. Osman Babson Road. Mr. Pope also reported that he has heard a couple of concerns from parents about kids trying to cross the rotary. He suggested asking the principals and the police whether they are aware of any concerns about walker safety. Dr. Safier indicated that he will bring this up at the November 6th leadership meeting.

A. District Expenditures – See Chief Financial Officer’s Report.

B. DPW Open and Closed Tickets –See Chief Financial Officer’s Report.

C. Food Service Budget Report – See Chief Financial Officer’s Report.

D. Food Service – Student Debt – See Chief Financial Officer’s Report.

E. Revolving Funds – See Chief Financial Officer’s Report.

IV. ACTION – See Items III.

V. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Mr. Pope, it was unanimously

VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting of October 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.

Maria Puglisi, Recording Secretary

X.C.

MODEL CROWDFUNDING POLICY

This is a model crowdfunding policy and regulations for K-12 education. The model is not static. It evolves with industry best-practices, DonorsChoose.org experiences and insights, and recommendations and input from stakeholders such as AASA, NSBA, CCSSO, ASBO, school administrators, state auditors, and other critical partners.

There are two sections to the document. Part A provides a condensed crowdfunding school board policy. Part B offers an extended school board policy with more explicit guidance. Many school boards may consider Part B more appropriate for

regulations.

Part B is made of four sections. Section 1 defines crowdfunding. Section 2 identifies cross-cutting responsibilities of eligible staff. Section 3 identifies the criteria

required for eligible district-approved crowdfunding services. A district-approved crowdfunding service allows teachers to use the service without prior approval for each classroom project. Section 4 lists approval requirements for staff seeking to use a service that is not on the pre-approved list.

A. Condensed School Board Policy

This policy defines “crowdfunding” as an Internet-based request for resources from individuals and organizations to support activities or projects that enhance an educational program.

Teachers may only use crowdfunding services that have at least a three-star rating on Charity Navigator. All crowdfunding classroom-projects must: support the

school’s priorities as established by the principal; align with the district’s technology plan and requirements (as applicable); not receive cash payments to district

personnel, exempting reimbursement to teachers for verified reasonable project costs; comply with applicable federal and state student privacy laws; provide status reports to the school’s principal upon commencement and delivery of materials and resources to the school site; and materials and supplies must become the property of the school.

Employees that launch crowdfunding campaigns in violation of this policy do so at their own risk and may not act-on-behalf or hold themselves out as acting-on- behalf of their school or the district.

B. Expanded School Board Policy or Regulations

SECTION 1. Crowdfunding Definition.

This policy defines “crowdfunding” as an Internet-based request for resources from individuals and organizations to support activities or projects that enhance an educational program.

SECTION 2. Crowdfunding Responsibilities of Eligible Staff.

1. Eligible staff are teachers and front-line educators currently employed by the public school district.

2. The purpose of this crowdfunding policy is to support a teacher’s efforts to enhance the district or school’s educational programming. Postings that describe the purpose and rationale for conducting the crowdfunding campaign may not negatively reflect upon the District, its programs and services, its staff, or its students.

3. All posting must comply with applicable federal and state student privacy laws, including the FERPA, IDEA, and applicable laws and regulations.

4. Postings may not include identifiable student images without prior parental permission.

5. Eligible staff posting projects must consult with appropriate district personnel to ensure desired technologies align with the district or school’s technology plan and requirements.

6. The school principal or district administrators ARE NOT REQUIRED to pre- approve classroom projects posted by eligible staff to approved sites meeting the requirements of Section 3 (VALIDATE CROSS-REFERENCE).

7. The school principal or designated district administrators ARE REQUIRED

to pre-approve classroom projects posted by eligible staff to non-approved sites in accordance with Section 4 (VALIDATE CROSS-REFERENCE).

SECTION 3. Pre-Approved Crowdfunding Services.

1. The Superintendent or designee shall identify approved crowdfunding sites for use by eligible staff.

2. Eligible staff may pursue crowdfunding classroom projects using approved sites/services without pre-approval for each project.

3. An approved crowdfunding services must:

a. Only allow currently employed eligible staff to create projects;

b. Have at least a three-star rating on Charity Navigator;

c. Prohibit cash payments to district personnel, exempting

reimbursement to teachers for reasonable project costs verified by receipt submission to the crowdfunding service;

d. Protect the privacy of students in accordance with state and federal law, and district policy;

e. Provide individual unit/item cost and inventory reporting on the materials and supplies shipped to schools;

f. Track the shipment and delivery of materials to verified public

schools with notification to the school principal;

g. Require the materials and supplies to become the property of the district or school, in accordance with district policy;

h. Require subsequent documentation of the project’s educational benefit; and

i. Provide dedicated reporting for school district officials regarding the

status of each request and the materials delivered to verified public schools.

Section 4. Non-Approved Crowdfunding Services.

1. Staff must seek prior approval from the Superintendent, Superintendent’s designee, or the responsible school principal for each classroom project using a non-approved crowdfunding service.

2. Non-approved crowdfunding services must contain terms and conditions that are acceptable to the Board and consistent with Board policy and applicable laws and regulations.