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School panel presses for policy on AngelSense trackers after privacy concerns
Summary
The Fall River Policy Subcommittee discussed AngelSense GPS trackers used by families of students with disabilities and raised legal and operational concerns about the device's "listen‑in" feature. Members asked administration to research policy options and legal risk before acting; the item was tabled for further review.
The Fall River Public Schools Policy Subcommittee on June 10 discussed whether the district should adopt rules on the in‑school use of AngelSense and similar GPS devices after administrators warned that a device feature allowing remote "listening in" could violate Massachusetts wiretapping law.
Lori, the superintendent, told the panel AngelSense devices provide families peace of mind by tracking students with significant disabilities, but she said the district needs clarity on what features are allowed in schools and on buses. "It's against the law in Massachusetts to listen or record somebody without their knowledge," she said, and recommended that parents sign a form acknowledging they will disable the listening capability at school.
Members pressed administration on enforcement and legal exposure. One committee member said the vendor appears to market the product as compliant, and urged the district to consider sending a notice to the company while being cautious about penalizing families. Another member warned that removing transportation for noncompliant families could cause serious access problems and said the district should seek legal counsel before taking punitive steps.
Committee discussion identified three next steps: (1) legal review of wiretapping implications and the district's authority to require disabling a listen‑in feature, (2) operational research on whether vendors can remotely disable listening or whether families must do so, and (3) drafting a narrowly worded policy or parental acknowledgement form for summer programs. The superintendent said staff will consult the police chief and the incoming law firm and return with recommended language.
On procedure, a motion to table the item and have administration return with a formal policy or recommended guidance carried on a roll call vote.
The subcommittee did not adopt a final rule and took no enforcement action; the issue will return to the committee after legal review.
