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Board amends bylaw to hold a single public-comment session at start of meetings
Summary
The Ocean Township Board of Education voted to amend bylaw 0164 to replace two public-comment periods with a single session at the beginning of meetings; the motion passed after board debate and a roll-call vote.
Board member Miss Gilman moved to amend bylaw 0164 (conduct of board meetings) so the district holds a single public-comment session at the start of regular meetings rather than two sessions (one for agenda items and one at the end for any topic). Miss Stevens seconded the motion.
Supporters said consolidating public comment would allow members of the public to speak earlier in the evening and make attendance easier; opponents argued it would reduce opportunities for commenters to respond after presentations and limit public input. Several board members suggested administrative or procedural safeguards, including the option to accept comment after special presentations when appropriate.
During roll call, Mr. Dalton voted no and Miss Talarico also voted no; the remaining members voted yes and the amendment carried.
The policy change will proceed through the required second reading process and return to the board for final adoption in a later meeting. Board members and administration reiterated that public participation rules (five-minute limit per speaker, decorum rules) remain in place and that the administration is available to respond to specific questions outside the public-comment forum.
Ending: The board approved the amendment on a recorded vote; the change will appear for the second reading and a final vote as required by the board's bylaws.
