Public commenters urge virtual access and note recent staff departures

Multiple members of the public used the meeting’s public‑participation period to thank departing employees who had supported students with disabilities and to urge the board to provide a reliable virtual option for public comments going forward.

An unnamed resident spoke about agenda items 10(a) and 10(c), thanking "Mrs. Marie" and another staff member, saying they had been "a vital part" of her child’s support team and that the district’s community was saddened by departures. She said district leaders have brought in strong related‑service staff but that the district keeps losing staff and asked the board to find ways to retain those hires.

Katie McDermott of Roselle Park said she had advocated for continued use of Zoom after the pandemic because it "enabled single‑parent households, working parents, parents of children with disabilities, parents and citizens with disabilities, non‑native English speakers, the ability to meaningfully participate." She said other districts use webinar formats to allow controlled public comment while limiting Zoom‑bombing risks and asked the district to make virtual comment available as an accessibility tool.

Frank Gagniordo urged increased outreach to PTAs and parent leaders as the school year begins and asked board members to connect with PTA presidents and vice presidents, noting many local programs depend on early engagement.

Board members acknowledged the concerns. The meeting chair said the district is working on methods to allow a fully virtual public‑comment option while preventing disruptive access and thanked participants for the "trial run." Staff said calendar and back‑to‑school information will be posted and distributed to families.

No board action was taken during public participation; the remarks were entered for the public record.