Board member moves to rescind policy 5756; motion not taken up after public comment split

During new business a board member moved to rescind Policy 5756; a second was made, and the matter prompted procedural comments and public comment from residents both for and against the policy.

Charles Martin, who identified himself as a parent of three district students, spoke during the public-comment period and criticized Policy 5756. Martin read excerpts from the student code of conduct and said the policy “instructs our children to form honest relationships with some, which are teachers, and not with others, their parents,” and he asked, “How does this promote integrity?”

Joy Kalitzke of 2040 Asbury Avenue spoke in favor of the policy and said she “supports the policy, 5,756,” adding that she believes it helps “a very small minority of students” who are struggling and that she did not find it disruptive.

After the public comment exchange, board counsel and board members debated procedure. Board counsel advised that certain motions must be returned from committee before they may be voted on this sitting; the presiding officer ultimately declined to permit formal consideration of the rescission during that meeting. The motion to rescind was therefore not put to a vote and remains unresolved.

The public record at the meeting shows both support and opposition from residents and a procedural bar to immediate action; any formal repeal or amendment of Policy 5756 would require future board action consistent with the district's rules and the Open Public Meetings Act.