Uxbridge policy subcommittee to forward Section A with model background-checks; committee debates volunteer fingerprinting

The Uxbridge Schools policy subcommittee on a virtual call agreed to forward recommended edits to Section A of the district policy manual to the full school committee and debated whether volunteers should be required to undergo fingerprinting.

The subcommittee reviewed a redline package and heard from Tracy Novak, a policy consultant, who recommended adopting the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) model language for background checks. "If you update to our updated version, that will drop the fingerprinting requirement for volunteers," Novak said, describing the model as replacing the blanket fingerprint requirement with targeted checks and procedural safeguards.

Why it matters: several members said the fingerprinting practice had created an access and equity problem for volunteers and parent organizations. One member said the fingerprint rule had "created quite a barrier to our PTO and other organizations to get people to volunteer" and called for policies that keep students safe without deterring volunteers. Chair Matt said he favored "holistic security procedures to ensure safety and security versus relying on a fingerprint," arguing that practical procedures to prevent unmonitored access would better protect students while maintaining community participation.

What was decided: the subcommittee voted to forward the edited Section A, including Novak’s recommended redlines, to the full school committee for consideration. The motion to forward was made from the floor, seconded, and approved by roll call.

Next steps and follow-up: Novak said she will produce the redlined Section A for the committee folder to be included on the full committee agenda. The subcommittee also asked district staff (David) to examine internal procedures—handbooks and administrative processes—so that any procedural changes align with the updated policy language. Members discussed placing the fingerprinting item on a subsequent meeting agenda for broader discussion in the fall and noted it may draw public comment.

Quotes from the meeting: Tracy Novak, the consultant, told the subcommittee the model policy package was designed to be more concise and manageable. Chair Matt summarized the balance the committee sought between safety and access: "We need to have sound safety and security procedures in place to make sure that happens," he said.

What remains unresolved: the full school committee will review the forwarded redlines and decide whether to adopt the MASC model language. The subcommittee’s vote forwarded the package; it did not itself change district policy.

The subcommittee adjourned after making the motion and assigning follow-up steps.