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School committee reviews new state-driven fundraising rules, first readings limit staff and student participation in raffles
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer O'Neil presented three first readings to align district policy with new Massachusetts rules: staff may be restricted from participating in raffles/games of chance, student groups cannot run raffles, and booster groups must seek superintendent approval and comply with state permits.
The Norton School Committee on April 15 held first readings of three policy revisions meant to align district rules with recent Massachusetts changes governing fundraising.
Dr. Jennifer O'Neil said the policy package (GBBC, JJE and KBE) adds language to clarify that employees may not participate in raffles or games of chance run by booster organizations and that all gifts and donations must be accepted by a vote of the school committee. "Staff is really not able to participate," she said, explaining the change stems from state regulations.
Under the proposed student-fundraising policy (JJE), student-recognized and unrecognized support organizations, including crowdfunding, must obtain prior approval from the superintendent or a designee before conducting fundraising. Dr. O'Neil said the rules are intended to protect minors: "State law does not allow students or student groups to do raffles or games of chance."
Committee members sought clarifications about edge cases: if a staff member is also a parent and member of a sponsoring organization, could they participate in that capacity? Dr. O'Neil confirmed participation is allowed in the role of a parent or sponsoring-member, but not as an employee. The committee also asked whether auctions are treated as raffles; Dr. O'Neil said auctions are not classified as raffles or games of chance under current rules, though items that include scratch tickets would be subject to the raffle restriction.
The proposed KBE language outlines recognition and oversight of booster groups: recognition is handled by the superintendent or building principals and booster groups must comply with federal, state and local laws and permit requirements when conducting raffles or games of chance.
No votes were taken; these items were presented as first readings and will return for future consideration. Committee members said staff will meet with booster organizations before the next school year to communicate the changes and to clarify who may sell tickets at events.
