Hull School Committee approves handbooks, addresses new fee policies for athletics and Chromebooks
Committee unanimously passes high school handbook changes while introducing $20 Chromebook usage fee and strengthening athletic payment enforcement
HULL - June 23 - The Hull School Committee unanimously approved updated student handbooks and addressed new fee policies during its meeting last week, implementing changes designed to improve attendance tracking and reduce device damage costs.
The committee approved revisions to the high school handbook that include updated language around artificial intelligence use and a new attendance policy. Principal Robert Shaw presented the changes, which align the handbook with previously approved program of studies modifications.
"Our handbook had no reference to AI, AI meaning artificial intelligence as opposed to academic integrity, so we've added that," Shaw said. The new language includes artificial intelligence in the category of academic integrity violations alongside existing policies on cheating and plagiarism.
The most significant change involves the attendance policy, replacing the current system where students fail classes after six absences with a credit-based approach. Under the new policy, students who miss excessive class time earn their grades but don't receive credits toward graduation until they complete academic makeup work.
"My own personal look at this over the last year is that this has done nothing to improve attendance in anyone's classes," Shaw said about the current policy. The new system requires students to make up missed coursework through online courses rather than serving detention time.
The committee also approved the high school's school improvement plan for the 2025-26 academic year. The plan includes department-specific goals covering areas from science standards implementation to innovation pathways in carpentry, boat building, and business.
"One of my goals in the creation of this is for a school improvement plan to work, everybody who works here needs to look at the document, see where they live in it," Shaw explained.
Superintendent Michael Jette introduced two new fee policies that require further development before implementation. The first addresses outstanding athletic fees, with stronger enforcement language planned for the student handbook.
"We still have some outstanding athletic fees this year. Students have played and have not paid those fees, and it's our intention to collect those fees because we think it's fair," Jette said.
The proposed athletic fee policy would prevent students from participating without payment or approved waivers and could include late fees similar to those implemented by Hull Youth Football Association. Committee members expressed support for the changes while emphasizing the importance of maintaining waiver options for families facing financial hardship.
"We never want to turn an athlete or student away from playing because of financial hardships," said committee member Courtney Littlefield. "Every sport awards scholarships or waivers or we make it work."
The second fee proposal introduces a $20 annual Chromebook usage fee to address rising device repair costs. Business Manager Diane Saniuk reported the district spent approximately $15,000 on Chromebook repairs this year, compared to about $10,000 the previous year.
The proposed system would create a repair fund where the first accidental damage claim is fully covered, the second claim is split 50-50 between the district and family, and families bear full responsibility for third claims. Families can opt out of the fee but would then be responsible for all repair costs.
"It's our effort to raise awareness about proper use and care of the devices and to partner with our families to make sure that we have the funding to do this," Jette said.
Committee members supported the concept while raising questions about implementation details and ensuring student access to necessary learning tools.
The meeting also honored five retiring staff members, including three who attended the ceremony. Joanne Pearson, speech and language assistant at the Jacobs School for 11 years, Mary Sweeney, paraprofessional in the TBL program for six years, and Patty Gardner, bookkeeper for nearly 13 years, received recognition for their service.
Two additional retirees unable to attend were also honored: Kathleen Keegan, school nurse at the Jacobs School for 26 years, and Tracy Mitchell, fourth-grade teacher for 21 years.
Hull Teachers Association representative praised the collaborative year, noting the successful field day event and smooth end-of-year activities. "We've had a really great year. It was a smooth year. We were able to work collaboratively addressing any issues that may have arisen," a representative said.
Other business items addressed during the meeting included:
• Discussion of potential state legislation regarding cell phone bans in schools
• Updates on summer workplace safety measures for staff working in high temperatures
• Review of warrants requiring committee signatures
The committee will not meet again until its August retreat, with members expressing gratitude to teachers and staff for a successful academic year.
The Committee noted the importance of clear communication about new fees to families before the fall semester begins, particularly given the financial impact on households.
The approved handbook changes take effect for the 2025-26 school year, while the fee policies require additional development and community notification before implementation.