Meetings of the Board of Education are open to the public, and all members of the community are welcome to attend and offer their comments. However, this is a business meeting of the Board of Education, so conversation is limited to members of the Board, its attorney, if present, and invited guests, or those conducting presentations. In accordance with New Jersey statute (N.J.S.A. 10:4-12), opportunities are provided for members of the public to speak, but open dialogue between the Board and the public is not part of the meeting unless specifically invited by the Superintendent. These are not intended to be question-and-answer sessions but are offered as a chance to share your thoughts with the Board. Comments regarding students and employees are discouraged and will not be responded to by the Board. The first opportunity for public comments is before the Board votes on any item listed on the evening’s agenda. Later, there will be a second opportunity for comments on any school district topic a member of the public feels should be heard. The Board will not be liable for any comments made by members of the public. Depending on the comments - which may or may not be responded to immediately - the subject may be acknowledged either directly by the administration, placed on a future agenda, or reviewed by an appropriate committee. The Board asks that you state your name and address for the record, and requests that your comments be no longer than three (3) minutes.
Agenda Item #I: Before the Board votes on tonight’s agenda items, this is the first opportunity for the public to offer comments. You will be asked to state your name and address for the record, and that you limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes.
Agenda Item #R: This is the second opportunity for comments from the public. Again, you will be asked to state your name and address for the record.
Chain of Communication: Before coming to the Board of Education with a specific personal question, issue or concern, the Chain of Communication should be followed: For a school issue, speak first to the teacher, and if the issue is not resolved, then speak to the principal, and finally, if necessary, speak to the superintendent. For a district issue, speak first to the superintendent and if the issue is not resolved, then speak before the Board of Education. The Board has limited action and should be the final step when all others have been exhausted.