Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Transparency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pennsauken board clarifies agenda-posting practice, hears public concerns on band and agenda timing
Summary
Board members agreed to post meeting agendas 24 hours in advance despite the solicitor noting no statutory 24-hour requirement; public commenters urged earlier agenda posting and raised marching-band continuity concerns.
At the May 13 meeting of the Pennsauken Township Board of Education, the board discussed public comment procedures and agenda posting and heard two public commenters who urged greater notice and continuity for school programs.
Agenda posting and public comment Board President Mrs. Young led a discussion on changing the public comment order and the timing of agenda posting. Board Solicitor Mr. Li advised that the law requires the board to offer at least one public comment period and that there is no statutory 24-hour deadline to post a draft agenda; the Open Public Meetings Act requires posting as the agenda is known. Despite that guidance, the board agreed to post the agenda 24 hours in advance going forward.
Public commenters - Mat Sax, identified in the meeting as Pennsauken Education Association (PEA) President, requested the agenda be posted the day before the meeting and commended Mr. Bennett for replacing a student’s stolen bicycle. - Christina Ortiz, a resident, expressed concern about whether the new high school music teacher will continue the marching band program.
Executive session and HIB The board moved into executive session to discuss student-related HIB (harassment, intimidation and bullying) matters and returned to open session later that evening. The agenda lists multiple HIB investigations from March and April 2025 with findings recorded as "HIB Alleged" for specific report numbers; the board noted continued monitoring where specified.
Why it matters Procedural clarifications on agenda posting affect public access and transparency. The public comments highlight local concerns about extracurricular continuity and union requests for improved advance notice of meeting materials.
What’s next The board agreed to post the agenda 24 hours in advance as a practice. Executive-session matters on HIB remain confidential; the agenda records that matters will be disclosed when appropriate.
