10.6.2026 School Board Policy Committee

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire School Board Policy Committee met on October 6, 2026, to review district policies and discuss its process for receiving and prioritizing policy work. The committee discussed updates to nondiscrimination policies, including reporting responsibilities for employees and volunteers, and emergency operations planning. The emergency-planning discussion addressed the state-required policy, annual board review of district plans, and whether sensitive plan materials should be reviewed in a nonpublic session. No procurement, contract awards, vendor selections, or spending decisions were identified.

The committee deferred discussion of proposed academic-integrity language involving generative AI and a possible mandatory zero pending further alignment with homework policy. It also postponed review of a student enrollment and course-capacity policy until members can consider a technical advisory and receive input from high school staff. Members discussed developing a Google form and calendar for policy requests, clarifying deadlines and follow-up, and providing periodic updates on requests. Homework, attendance, dress code, and AI policies were noted as ongoing work. No votes or motions were reported; follow-up actions include preparing the request form and procedures, obtaining the advisory and high school input, and consulting relevant staff on outstanding questions.