The state’s laws and regulations prohibit school employees from accepting any gift that has a value in excess of $50—whether in the form of cash, event tickets, meals, or goods. The sole exception to the $50 limit is a class gift or gifts from a group of students, parents, or colleagues, but only if the value of the gift or gifts does not exceed $150. Furthermore, recipients of gifts have an obligation under state ethics regulations to report to a supervisor each gift received and its value.

If there are individuals and groups who do wish to recognize a teacher or group of educators, they might want to consider a contribution in the name of the teacher or group of employees to the school’s PTA or PTO, or to the Foundation for Belmont Education. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible, and Foundation grants support programming and needs of the Belmont Public Schools. The Foundation is happy to receive gifts in the name of a teacher or group of educators. (Foundation for Belmont Education, PO Box 518, Belmont, MA 02478: ).