Parents and residents urge Township of Ocean board to adopt clearer, consistent policies after social-media incidents

Brooke Fennon, a Wanamassa resident and parent of two students in the Ocean Township School District, told the board that recent, high‑profile incidents had left families confused and distrustful of district processes. "Clarity matters, consistency matters, and leadership means holding everyone to the same standards regardless of role or title," Fennon said, calling for transparent policies and uniform application of discipline.

Mike Beeson, who identified himself as an Ocean Township resident, thanked district staff for clearing roads and praised teacher Allison Connolly's award before urging civility online. "People should be able to wear whatever color they want," Beeson said, criticizing online targeting of staff and urging the community to be respectful.

Both commenters described patterns the board should address: Fennon referenced a recent case in which an educator was doxxed and suspended after a social media interaction, and she said a separate public comment by a board member about a violent death had upset community members. Neither speaker requested specific policy language at the meeting; both urged the board to develop consistent, transparent standards for handling public conduct by staff and elected officials and for responding to community pressure.

Board members did not take formal action during the public comment period. The presiding officer reminded attendees that public comment is not a question‑and‑answer session and directed specific inquiries to administration and the superintendent's office. Board member Missus Gilman later noted an upcoming New Jersey School Boards forum with state senators Vin Gopal and Declan O'Scanlan and offered to pass along member questions.

The meeting record shows no immediate vote or change to discipline policy; commenters asked the board to pursue further clarification and transparency in future action or policy reviews.