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Resident urges clearer communication on hotspots, physicals and summer school; superintendent says policy update coming
Summary
During public comment at the July 29 meeting residents described children missing opportunities because they lacked information about district supports; the superintendent said a board policy update that would prevent using academics to exclude students from extracurricular activities will be drafted in August and adopted after two readings in September.
A resident and community members told the Caldwell West Caldwell Board of Education on Monday that poor communication about supports — including availability of hotspots and low-cost sports physicals — has left some students unable to participate in activities.
Michelle, who identified herself while speaking during the public-comment period, described a student who lacked internet access and whose family did not know the district could provide a hotspot. "They didn't know," she said. "She was almost crying," she added when describing the student's mother learning about the available support.
Michelle also said students had been prevented from participating in sports because they lacked insurance to obtain a physical. She described learning — through conversations with a school nurse and others — that a student could obtain a physical at an urgent care for a nominal fee and that the district can facilitate those options; she urged the board to improve communication, suggested sending items home so families could pay if they wish, and offered to serve on a volunteer committee or assist with fundraising.
Superintendent told the meeting that the policy committee has met, that the concerns Michelle raised were discussed, and that the district will present an updated board policy in August that "fully addresses those concerns moving forward for kindergarten through twelfth grade," including language that academics cannot be used to exclude students from extracurricular activities. The superintendent said the updated policy will undergo the required two readings and be adopted in September.
West Caldwell resident Dan Heinekel said policies that bar students from end-of-year events based on academic standing can be punitive and may disproportionately affect students with challenges beyond their control; he commended Michelle for raising the issue and suggested a volunteer group to help identify outreach gaps.
Board member Tay thanked community members for raising concerns, said the district and HSAs (Home and School Associations) are working on equity and outreach, and noted existing committees and school nurses that try to connect families to resources.
What happens next: superintendent said a revised board policy addressing participation/access will be prepared in August, brought to the board for two readings and adoption in September; community members were encouraged to attend upcoming meetings and an Aug. 26 presentation by the architect about the referendum.
