The Portsmouth School Committee discussed two policies on Nov. 12 that will return for final votes after additional review.

Policy IJOC (volunteers in schools) was presented for an initial read. Committee members discussed background checks and a fingerprinting fee charged by police departments (noted by several speakers as a $5 fee volunteers historically paid). Committee members expressed concern that any fee or lengthy training requirement could be a barrier to family participation; speakers suggested PTO sponsorship, principal discretion, or district absorption of costs as possible mitigations. No vote was taken; the policy will proceed through the normal review process.

Policy JE (student attendance and truancy) was presented for a second read. Speaker 12, who has been working on truancy and residency issues, said the revisions target unexcused tardies and early dismissals because cumulative lost time reduces instructional days. The policy includes enforcement measures to improve punctuality; Speaker 12 explained one possible consequence as a "social suspension," which would make chronically absent or tardy students ineligible for extracurricular activities until attendance improves. The committee emphasized the need to communicate changes clearly to families and said final reading and vote will come at a subsequent meeting.

Committee members asked administrators to consider equity implications and to include parents and PTOs in planning so fees and training do not create access barriers.