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Board debates dropping unreliable call-in public-comments option; plans operations review
Summary
A board member suggested removing the virtual call-in option for public comment because it is rarely used and technically unreliable; other trustees urged improving the system and continuing livestreamed access. Legal counsel said virtual live public participation is not legally required absent a state emergency; operations will review functionality and costs.
Trustees spent a sizeable portion of new business debating whether the district should continue offering a live call-in option for public comment during board meetings.
One board member, noting repeated technical failures, suggested removing the virtual call-in public-comment option and relying instead on email, written submissions and livestream viewing.
"It's barely used and it hardly works," the board member said, arguing the district should not keep an unreliable system in place. The member proposed the operations committee analyze options and brought the idea to the board for consideration.
Other trustees pushed back. One said the board should invest in improving remote participation rather than take it away, saying livestreaming and same-night posting increase public access and transparency.
Legal counsel advised the board that, outside of a state public-health or other emergency, New Jersey law does not require districts to provide a virtual live-participant public-comment option.
Operations was asked to take the issue to committee for a study of current costs, technical gaps and options for improving or replacing the call-in system; trustees said they expect a follow-up report and possible recommendations at a future meeting.
The discussion did not produce an immediate policy change; the board president directed operations to examine the issue and report back to the board.
