Lexington Public Schools

December 14, 2003

Dear Families of Lexington Elementary Students,

At this time of year, some families have made it a tradition to give gifts to staff members to show their appreciation. The rewards of working with your children (and our regular salaries!) are the best compensation of all, and we always welcome your words of appreciation. However, for those of you who have considered giving a gift, we would like to inform you about laws and regulations affecting gift giving to school staff members.

School staff members are public employees, and as such are subject to the State’s Conflict of Interest Law (General Law Chapter 268A) and State Ethics Committee rules. These state that we may not accept any gift that is of "substantial," that is, no more than $50. This includes meals, tickets to events, services, or holiday gifts, among other things. This $50 limit applies to groups of people with a common interest (for example, members of the same class). Therefore, families in the same class may not combine their resources to purchase a gift valued at $50 or more. This law is in place to ensure that everyone served is treated equally and that no one has or might be perceived to have special advantages or influence. This applies even if the purpose of the gift is merely a "token of gratitude for a well-done job or is given out of desire to maintain the public employee’s good will."

Besides the state law, there is sometimes discomfort about the appropriateness of gifts within the school context or the feeling that gifts might be expected. We want to make it clear that the best gift of all is your kind words of appreciation, and we in no way wish to make families feel that gift giving is an obligation. Neither do we wish to discourage giving a gift or saying thank you for those who wish to do so. If you do wish to give a gift, we do ask that you help us by considering one of the following options that comply with the law.

If parents want to combine resources, you might ask to purchase something for the classroom (rather than the staff member), for example books for the classroom library or games. You might contribute to the Lexington Education Foundation in the staff member’s name. As has been the practice in years past, the staff member receives a "star" notifying them of this gift. You or a group of parents might "pick an apple" from our Wishing Tree to provide something we have previously identified as a need (books for the classroom libraries are a pressing need right now). Donations to the school, classroom or LEF are tax deductible. Or, you might give a modest or homemade gift, such as homemade goodies.

We are very fortunate in Lexington to have such generous families, who support us in so many ways, whether through formal recognition days, volunteering, participating in school activities, or giving a few words of appreciation. We would very appreciate your assistance in this matter. If you have additional questions about this matter, please feel free to contact your building principal.

Sincerely,
Malcolm Astley, Principal, Bowman
David Crump, Principal, Harrington
Joni Jay, Principal, Estabrook
Barbara Manfredi, Principal, Bridge
Nancy Peterson, Principal, Fiske
Lynne Stinson, Principal, Hastings