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School committee pauses action on student fundraising policy after parents and principals raise equity concerns
Summary
Committee members discussed a proposed student fundraising policy that would prohibit competition among students for fundraising prizes. Members and principals said the rule aims to avoid pitting students against each other, but committee agreed to hold the item to gather more input and options from vendors and parent groups.
The Grafton School Committee on Sept. 30 held off final action on a proposed student fundraising policy after an extended discussion about equity and program funding.
The proposed policy language would bar fundraising activities that "involve competition among students" and would prohibit rewarding students or classes with prizes such as extra recess or class‑specific perks tied to individual fundraising totals. Proponents said the language is intended to prevent students from being stigmatized or feeling inferior in class when fundraising relies on family donations.
"We don't want students being pitted, you know, one against another," a committee member said during the discussion. Staff and several committee members echoed concern that classroom‑level rewards can create inequitable outcomes for students whose families lack the ability to contribute.
At the same time parents and volunteer leaders told the committee fundraising generates substantial revenue used for field trips, enrichment, classroom support and classroom amenities that would be difficult to replace from district funds. Committee members and principals raised practical questions about current contracts with fundraising vendors that deliver prize packages, leaderboards and donation portals; principals asked for time to evaluate impacts on current campaigns and existing contracts.
The committee voted to rescind a motion to approve the policy at this meeting and to hold the item for further research. Members suggested staff will consult fundraising vendors about alternative program designs (for example, school‑wide goals, grade‑level incentives, or non‑competitive prize distribution) and bring options back to the committee so parent groups and principals have time to adjust plans if the policy is adopted.
Policy committee members noted the update was a first reading and emphasized the committee's appreciation for parent volunteers while aiming to reduce potential harm that competitive fundraising models can cause among students.
