Laconia board accepts donations to clear student lunch debt and hears new parental consent guidance for recordings
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Summary
On Jan. 6 the Laconia School Board accepted anonymous donations and pledges to clear roughly $23,560.61 in school lunch balances, approved revisions to policy AC‑R2, rescinded policy KED, and heard that new state technical guidance limits district livestreaming unless parental consent forms are in place.
The Laconia School Board voted unanimously Jan. 6 to accept anonymous donations and pledges that the administration says will cover the district’s remaining student lunch debt (approximately $23,560.61). The board also approved revisions to AC‑R2 (second reading) and voted to rescind policy KED.
During the superintendent’s report, Interim Superintendent Amy reviewed a technical advisory (B 2526) about parental and guardian consent for audio and video recordings. She said the district has a revised media consent form and is coordinating with coaches and activity directors to obtain signed consent for participants. "Parents can stand in the audience and they can record all they want and put it on YouTube," Amy said; she added that the district should avoid livestreams that pan the audience and should not livestream events if not all participants have consent on file.
On donations, administration said it has received a $5,000 contribution from the Rod and Gun club and a $1,000 anonymous gift; an additional donor or donors have offered to cover the remaining lunch debt. The board accepted the donations and pledged amounts via motion; the board noted that some promised funds were still outstanding and will be accepted when checks arrive.
What the board voted on - Approve revisions to AC‑R2 (motion by Speaker 4) — approved, 6‑0. - Rescind policy KED (motion by Speaker 1; second by Speaker 5) — approved, 6‑0. - Accept anonymous donations and pledged payments toward school lunch debt (motion by Speaker 3) — approved, 6‑0.
Why it matters Clearing student lunch debt directly reduces financial barriers and potential stigma for students; the change in media consent guidance may affect how the district communicates performances and athletic events, especially for families who decline consent.
Reporting note All votes and amounts are recorded from the Jan. 6 meeting transcript. The donation acceptance reflects promises and some gifts already received; the board will process checks when delivered.