Teaneck board adopts code of ethics; asks policy committee to draft decorum policy

The Teaneck Board of Education voted to adopt its annual code of ethics and directed the policy committee to draft a decorum policy addressing board member conduct.

During the Jan. 7 reorganization meeting, trustees read the district’s standard code-of-ethics provisions aloud as part of the reorganization tradition. The code references adherence to Section 18A of New Jersey law, confidentiality about matters discussed in executive session and the board’s role in policymaking rather than day-to-day administration.

Trustee Jerry Kirschenbaum proposed adding language requiring board members to “uphold the standards of dignity and deportment at all public meetings.” Several trustees discussed whether the change would alter state law or the statutory code, and the board attorney and trustees suggested handling the proposal through the policy committee so legal language could be drafted and reviewed.

The board approved the code-of-ethics item as presented and approved a companion motion to send development of a formal deportment/decorum policy to the policy committee for drafting and expedited review. Trustees emphasized they wanted the committee to move quickly so a written policy could be returned to the full board promptly.

Board members who spoke on the record about the code and the decorum initiative included Jerry Kirschenbaum, Clara Williams, Cassandra Reyes, Jonathan Rodriguez and Dr. Victor Anaya. The board approved the motions by roll call; the meeting minutes record the official vote tally.

Trustees said a written decorum policy would clarify expected behavior at meetings, describe confidentiality obligations and identify the process for addressing violations once counsel has drafted appropriate language. The board’s policy committee will present a draft policy for full-board consideration and possible adoption at a subsequent meeting.