At the Oct. 21 meeting the Grafton School Committee took a first reading of proposed policy JJE (student fundraising activities), which the administration presented following feedback from principals and the parent booster organization.

The proposed policy text states the committee “recognizes that families have different resources” and seeks to avoid highlighting those differences through fundraising. It supports student involvement in necessary event-ticket sales and student publications that sell advertising, encourages charitable fundraisers that are part of community-service programs, and requires that fundraising proposals be submitted to and approved by the building principal and superintendent.

Crucially, the draft discourages certain methods and rules out practices the committee’s text describes as exploitative: “For safety reasons and because the school committee recognizes that community members receive requests to support many worthy causes, activities such as canning and door to door sales are strongly discouraged,” the draft states. It also includes this provision: “Fundraising activities may not involve competition among students. Students may not be rewarded with additional recess snacks, activities, or any other type of prize for having raised larger amounts of funds or reaching fundraising goals.”

Principals and the booster organization provided input, the committee said, and recommended alternatives. School leaders told the committee they favor moving away from individualized competition while retaining grade‑level or whole‑school contests and classroom challenges. The booster organization’s written feedback (summarized at the meeting) recommended school‑ or classroom‑level incentives and recognizing participation rather than top fundraisers.

Committee member Christy moved and the committee seconded to accept JJE as a first reading; the motion carried. As a first read, the policy will be open to further comment and revision before a final vote.

The committee framed the change as an equity measure intended to reduce pressure on students and families and to preserve successful community fundraisers while offering alternatives that encourage broader participation.