District reviews whistleblower policy draft after federal grants audit; committee asks for clarifications

District staff presented a draft whistleblower protection policy the committee had asked to see after a federal grants audit recommended adding such a policy. Karen Fisher Anderson said the draft is meant to be concise but to cover purpose, reporting procedures, anonymity options, anti‑retaliation protections and a basic investigative framework.

Fisher Anderson said she reviewed RSA 275‑E (public‑employee whistleblower statute) and sampled policies from other jurisdictions when drafting the document. "We will always try and protect your anonymity," she said, describing the district's intent to shield reporters from retaliation.

Committee members asked how the whistleblower policy would interact with mandatory child‑welfare reporting requirements, collective bargaining agreements and more detailed investigative processes used for harassment claims. Members suggested the draft might be narrowed to fiscal matters (consistent with the audit origin) or explicitly state which issues are excluded and which policies take precedence. Committee members also urged staff to include cross‑references to existing procedures for employee due process and grievance rights.

Decision: no motion was made; staff will return with language that clarifies the policy's scope, cross‑references to RSA 275‑E and related district policies, and suggested placement (e.g., under federal grants or personnel sections). The committee plans to dig into a revised draft at the next meeting.