The North Middlesex Regional School District’s policy subcommittee convened on January 6 to assess a series of proposed updates to existing policies, including a cell-phone policy and related staff guidelines. The committee voted to forward the cell-phone policy for its first reading at the school committee, made amendments to co-curricular rules, declined to recommend a separate student-organizations policy, and tabled discussions on student raffles pending further investigation.
The implications of these decisions are significant, as they govern regulations within classrooms, extracurricular activities, and district-sponsored travel. In particular, the discussion regarding raffles and games of chance could reshape fundraising methods used by booster clubs and various scholarship committees, depending on how state interpretations are upheld.
Beginning with the cell-phone policy, designated as JICJ, the subcommittee approved its first reading alongside a related personnel policy, GBEF. Committee members indicated that the current approach to cell phones had not presented any major operational difficulties. Administrators recommended that the requirement for teacher permission to use devices remain contingent upon administrative approval to maintain consistency throughout the district’s schools.
In terms of other policy actions, the committee confirmed no changes to the existing guidelines on pregnant students (JIE) and unanimously adopted the searches and interrogations policy (JIH) without alterations. This policy was discussed briefly, with members highlighting the district’s established relationship with a police officer from the Townsend Police Department, who is assigned to the high school.
The subcommittee also moved to advance the student complaints and grievances policy (JII) to the school committee for its first reading, with a recommendation to replace the NMRSD acronym with the full district name for clarity. This change aims to enhance understanding among stakeholders.
Regarding the co-curricular and extracurricular policy (JJ), the committee forwarded it to the school committee as amended. The approved language continues to allow for an “administration-approved adviser,” which enables non-faculty community members to serve in advisory roles when appropriate. Conversely, for the student organizations policy (JJA), members concluded that its essential guidance is already covered under existing policies and opted against recommending its adoption.
A considerable portion of the meeting focused on the implications of Massachusetts law concerning student participation in raffles and games of chance. The updated model language from MASC indicated that “students may not participate in” such activities, raising concerns among members regarding their impact on common fundraising efforts. The committee tasked district leadership with consulting principals and other districts before finalizing recommendations on this matter. Consequently, the raffle policy (JJE) was tabled for additional review and outreach.
For field trips and travel, the committee expressed that the district’s comprehensive student-travel policy (JJH), developed with legal and health expertise in the wake of COVID-era cancellations, is better suited to meet local needs than a shorter model provided by MASC. Members requested confirmation from the administration that there are no operational issues before further consideration.
In a brief overview of votes taken during the meeting, the subcommittee approved the minutes from previous meetings on December 9 and December 16, 2025. The committee carried motions to approve the cell-phone policy for a first reading and to adopt the searches and interrogations policy without changes. They forwarded the amendments to the co-curricular and extracurricular policy and opted not to recommend the student organizations policy. The discussion regarding fundraising and games of chance was tabled for further examination.
Looking ahead, the subcommittee directed the administration to investigate the practical implications of the state’s interpretation of raffle and games-of-chance laws, and to coordinate with principals and other districts before revisiting the tabled item. Other pending matters, including policies related to bullying and harassment, will be addressed in future meetings following necessary follow-up with legal counsel and administrative staff.
As discussions on fundraising policies continue, committee members expressed concerns that existing state regulations may hinder traditional fundraising practices. They requested that administrators identify alternative fundraising strategies should the current interpretation remain unchanged. The meeting concluded with no public commentators present, and the subcommittee efficiently wrapped up its agenda within roughly an hour.
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