Three members of the public used the final public-comment period to press the board about alleged ties to the New Jersey Project and to dispute each other’s characterizations.

Jay Hoff, a Flemington Borough resident, said many trustees have been endorsed by what he called "a hate group" he identified as the New Jersey Project and asked trustees to publicly explain or reject that link. Hoff described his own change in beliefs since high school and urged the board to make room for diverse community members, saying, "Our community members who are queer and transgender aren't going anywhere." He asked trustees: "How are we going to make sure that each of those groups has a place to sit at the table and opportunity to be heard?"

Noel O'Donnell of Flemington Borough spoke after Hoff and endorsed Hoff’s remarks, saying trustees who deny knowledge of an endorsement are "lying" when asked; he stated, "Jay is much more hopeful about 2025. And the other thing that's not going anywhere is me."

Sandra Dufour of Raritan Township disputed Hoff’s characterization. Dufour said the listing Hoff cited originated with the Southern Poverty Law Center and called that organization "a morally bankrupt smear factory" in her remarks; she also said the New Jersey Project website indicates it does not endorse candidates and described the listings as "parents' recommendations for school board members."

What the board did: The comments were part of the public-comment period; trustees did not take action on the statements, and no board response or investigation was initiated during the meeting. The meeting then moved to adjournment; no executive session was scheduled.

Why it matters: Public comments alleging ties between trustees and advocacy groups can prompt calls for board transparency or clarification. At this meeting, residents presented conflicting claims; the board recorded the statements but did not take formal follow-up action on the record.