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Board approves first readings of multiple policies; debate on public-comment restriction draws public comment
Summary
The Wissahickon board approved first readings for multiple policies on April 7, removing one outdated policy and advancing revisions that narrow who may speak at public board meetings. A public commenter urged the board to reconsider the restriction on advocates speaking on behalf of families.
The Wissahickon School District Board of School Directors approved the first reading of multiple policies on April 7, and removed one policy from the agenda as outdated, prompting remarks from a public commenter who urged the board to reconsider narrowing who may speak at public meetings.
Marshall, reporting for the policy committee, said policy item 18.1 (policy number 234) “has been removed from tonight's agenda” because it is based on an outdated Title 9 regulation from February 2024; the committee requested approval of items 18.2 through 18.11. A motion to approve the first readings of 18.2–18.11 was made, seconded and passed.
Board member Diane described deliberation over policy 903 — the provision governing who is allowed to speak at public board meetings — and said she had “struggled” with the issue before deciding to vote yes because she believes reserving time “for people who do have a vested interest in the Whittaker School District” serves the community; she said other avenues such as email to district leadership remain available.
During the second public comment period, community member Carmina Taylor asked the board to reconsider the change, arguing that outside advocates and local civil-rights organizations sometimes represent families who are afraid to speak publicly. Taylor said eliminating advocates from the comment period would reduce options for families who lack resources to pursue formal advocacy and described concerns about targeted retaliation in small communities.
The motion to approve the first readings of policies 18.2–18.11 passed on a voice vote; the board did not record a roll-call tally in the public transcript.
