Board narrows public-comment language, approves HVAC financing resolution in consent agenda

The Gloucester County School Board on Sept. 9 adopted revised language for the opening of its public-comment period and approved several consent-agenda items, including a resolution related to county financing of HVAC projects.

The board revised its public-comment script to read, in part, that comments should focus on programs not personnel, that the board will listen rather than engage in general discussion, follow-up questions by members are allowed, and that speakers are asked to state their name, district of residence and limit remarks to four minutes per citizen. Members debated whether comments at regular televised meetings should be limited to agenda items (some favored that for work sessions) and settled on the clarified wording. The motion to adopt the adjusted wording passed by voice vote after a motion and second.

In the consent agenda the board considered and approved a resolution acknowledging county financing for certain HVAC projects. Administration said the Board of Supervisors approved funding for district HVAC work and that the lending structure used county purchasing and payment arrangements; the school division will own the equipment once payments are complete. Board members requested additional details on borrowing terms, interest and warranty coverage; administration said the county is handling borrowing details and that new equipment carries manufacturer warranties and will be incorporated into a district preventive-maintenance contract with Honeywell after warranty periods expire.

Other consent items approved included standard personnel and donation acceptances. The board also voted to approve several policies on first and second reading and received routine financial and construction updates.

The board adjourned after announcing upcoming calendar items. The revised public-comment wording and the HVAC-resolution both passed with unanimous board support.