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Board debates proposed noisemaker ban; policy sent back to committee for redrafting
Summary
Trustees debated a proposed policy that would ban noisemakers at indoor and outdoor district events. Several members favored indoor restrictions but opposed a blanket outdoor ban for sporting events; the board directed the policy committee to redraft and consider event-specific rules or decibel thresholds.
The board held an extended discussion of proposed policy 8870, which would prohibit the use or possession of noisemakers at district events. Mr. Petruzino questioned an outdoor ban, saying he did not “feel that ... there should be a ban on noise makers outdoors,” and other members argued for distinguishing indoor ceremonies from outdoor sporting events.
Several trustees raised public-safety and hearing concerns about high-decibel devices such as air horns. Karen Corleino commented, “Air horns have no place anywhere. That's that's just a person trying to get attention,” and other members suggested limiting devices by location (indoor vs. outdoor) or by event type (graduation, concerts, athletic contests) rather than a blanket ban.
After discussion the board agreed to return the policy to the policy committee for revision and asked members to submit written suggestions; the superintendent’s office was asked to ensure staff may authorize limited, preapproved uses when appropriate.
Why it matters: The policy affects how families and spectators may behave at graduations, concerts and athletic events. Board members emphasized balancing event tradition and fundraising with concerns about disruption and hearing safety.
Provenance: Policy debate runs from 01:32:40 through 01:48:00. Evidence excerpts: Mr. Petruzino: “I don't feel that ... there should be a ban on noise makers outdoors” (01:32:54); Karen Corleino: “Air horns have no place anywhere” (01:43:55).
