Londonderry board asks attorney to draft emergency exception to policy BBFA for volunteer coaching by members
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Summary
The Londonderry School Board asked legal counsel to draft language to allow a board member to serve as an emergency volunteer middle‑school coach despite BBFArestrictions; the board also voted unanimously to enter nonpublic session under RSA 91‑A:3, II(c).
Londonderry School Board on March 10, 2025 asked its attorney to draft a temporary exception to Policy BBFA so a board member could volunteer as an emergency middle‑school coach, and later voted to enter nonpublic session under RSA 91‑A:3, II(c).
Board member Kevin Gray was approached last week by the middle school about coaching a boys lacrosse team after the district was unable to recruit a paid coach, board members said during a short agenda item. Current Policy BBFA prohibits a board member from being an employee of the district, and the proposed change would address whether a volunteer exception is allowed.
The board directed the attorney to prepare draft language for consideration at a future meeting. Board members described options discussed with counsel: a time‑limited emergency exception that would expire after a set period (one speaker cited an example of 90 days) or a temporary waiver for a shorter period (one speaker referenced 30 days) to cover the start of the season. The attorney told the board she would confirm whether any state statutory restrictions (RSA) would affect the change.
Members noted the timeline pressure: the middle school season has tryouts very soon, and board members said they wanted to avoid preventing students from participating if a volunteer coach could fill in while the athletic department continues recruitment. The board agreed to bring draft wording back for a first reading at an upcoming regular meeting, referenced in the discussion as "the 20 fifth"; the transcript did not specify a calendar date for that reading.
After that item the board moved into nonpublic session. Board member Sarah Wolffley moved to go into nonpublic session under RSA 91‑A:3, II(c); Board member Tim Porter seconded the motion. A roll call recorded votes of Tim Porter, Kim Brunner, Bob Slater and Sarah Wolffley in the affirmative, and the motion was approved.
No formal policy amendment was adopted at the March 10 meeting; the board sought a draft from counsel and deferred any formal vote to subsequent readings.
