Galloway school board rejects bid to repeal transgender policy 5756 after heated public comment and legal warnings

The Galloway Township Board of Education voted against repealing policy 5756 on a 6'to'2 roll call on the motion made during its January reorganizational meeting.

The motion to repeal policy 5756 was made by Board member Mrs. Hermonow and was seconded; the motion failed in a roll-call vote with Mrs. Hermonow and Board member Miss LaRia voting yes and six members voting no. The board did not remove the policy.

The vote capped more than an hour of public comment and debate. Superintendent Santilli began the meeting by addressing what he called misinformation circulating in the community, specifically disputing claims that schools had "litter boxes" or that school nurses were administering hormone treatments. "There is absolutely no truth to any litter boxes being used in our schools," Santilli said, and he added that nurses "adhere to the highest ethical standards" and cannot even give an aspirin without parent or guardian permission.

Several residents urged the board to repeal or amend the policy to require parental notification. Elaine Santo, a Smithville resident, read aloud paragraph 15 of the policy and emphasized that, as written, "Parental consent is not required," and urged repeal. Board of Education parent and association leader Caitlin Stinson defended the district's position, calling the controversy "ignorance" and urging parents to use available district resources: "Little effort is required to visit the district website and read any policy you'd like for yourself," she said.

Board members debated legal and policy risk. Board member Jim Gentile urged caution, summarizing pending litigation in other New Jersey districts and recommending the board wait for guidance from the appellate courts before making substantive changes. "Let's wait until the appellate division hands down its opinion," Gentile said, noting that an injunction and administrative action are pending in the Manalapan matter and that the outcome will affect how districts may lawfully proceed.

Board attorney Amy Alkelco described the committee process for policy review and advised the board that the policy committee typically reviews and recommends policy changes to the full board. Several board members said they would route suggested language and concerns through the policy committee for review and potential amendment before placing any changes on a future agenda.

After discussion, Mrs. Hermonow moved to repeal policy 5756 immediately; that motion was seconded and brought to a roll-call vote. The motion failed 6'to'2. Following the vote, board leaders and the solicitor reiterated the standard committee process and said committee membership and formal review would follow the board's reorganization.

Members of the public and board also used the meeting to raise related concerns and broader topics: safety in schools, the role of community groups, and the need for parent engagement. Several commenters and board members called for more public education sessions and workshops to reduce misinformation and to provide consistent information to families.

What the board decided tonight keeps policy 5756 in place as currently written. Board members who opposed immediate repeal cited legal risk and the pending appellate review as primary reasons for their votes; members who supported repeal said parental notification and parental rights should take precedence.

The board chair said comments and suggested amendments submitted to the policy committee will be reviewed and that the committee will bring recommended language back to the full board, consistent with the district's bylaws and counsel advice.