Board advances multiple policy revisions, including graduation and surveillance rules
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Summary
The Mahwah Board reviewed and approved a bundle of policy updates (agenda items 18 a–x) including a new graduation requirement tied to financial-aid application submission, expanded surveillance language and a spectator code of conduct.
At the March 26 meeting, the Mahwah Township Public School District Board of Education’s policy committee presented 28 policies scheduled for first reading, and the board approved agenda items 18 a–x by roll call.
A board member identified on the record as presenting the committee report said Policy 54:60 (high school graduation) was revised to add a new requirement for the graduating classes of 2025–2027 mandating submission of a financial‑aid application; another board member noted that requirement comes from the state. Revisions to Policy 55:12 (harassment, intimidation or bullying) add parental‑notification requirements and guidance on pausing an HIB investigation where appropriate.
Policy 74:41 (electronic surveillance in school buildings and on school grounds) was revised to include language allowing law enforcement to view live streaming video during emergency situations. The board also approved a new spectator code of conduct policy (Policy 91:63) that requires immediate removal of a person from events and school premises for violations, minimum disciplinary measures up to suspension from future events and a required educational component for violators; the policy committee recommended posting the code at venues when possible.
Other inventory updates included abolishing Policy 74:30 (school safety) where it was redundant with existing rules, clarifying language around eligibility of resident and nonresident students, expanding income‑eligibility language for school meal programs (Policy 8500), and language changes to cooperation with law enforcement (Policy 9320) that would permit the superintendent or designee to designate a law‑enforcement point of contact for post‑trauma care programs.
The roll call for items 18 a–x recorded generally affirmative votes with the following recorded exceptions: one board member abstained on certain check approvals listed under 18 AM (checks 118668, 118744 and 118874) and one board member voted no on item r of the bundle. The board did not debate each policy at length during the public meeting; the committee report provided the substantive summary and the board advanced the items for implementation as approved.