The North Andover School Committee reviewed a proposed revision to Policy JJH (student travel) on Nov. 20 that would require all adult chaperones on overnight trips to have a background check approved and on file for the current school year.

Speaker 4 (policy liaison) explained the change was prompted by recent trip planning and concern that high‑school parents may not realize chaperone checks are required. The proposal adds a requirement that "all adult chaperones attending overnight field trips with students must have a [background check] that has been approved... on file with North Andover Public Schools" and that final approval for trips will not be granted until chaperone verification is complete.

Committee members discussed operational responsibility and timing: principals will verify chaperone clearance before departures, and the administration will add operational steps to ensure clearance even for trips approved well in advance. Speaker 6 said background checks (fingerprinting) may be completed locally at school offices at no charge and that the process is a standard procedure.

No vote was taken; the policy change was given a first read and will return for public discussion and a formal vote at a subsequent meeting. Committee members invited public comment before final action.