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After strong public comment, Cliffside Park board tables teacher‑coaching policy
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Summary
Following extended public comment from educators, coaches and community members, the board voted to table proposed policy 3231 (a proposed ban on teachers coaching outside teams) and policy 4231 for further revision and discussion.
The Cliffside Park Board of Education voted on March 20 to table a proposed coaching policy (policy 3231) and a related policy (4231) after multiple public commenters urged the board to reconsider or amend language that would restrict teachers from coaching community teams.
Tiffany Woodley, who identified herself as a 22‑year educator in the district, told the board she opposed the proposed ban on teacher‑coaches. “When a teacher is on that level team, it is an opportunity, not a conflict,” Woodley said during public comment, urging trustees to reconsider the policy.
Other commenters described the cultural and financial value of teacher coaching. Joe Dusi, who spoke in support of keeping teacher‑coaching options, said volunteer coaches provide opportunities and mentorship that benefit district students. Several long‑form commenters recounted decades of coaching and asked the board to permit exceptions or revise the policy language so long‑standing volunteers and teachers could continue to coach.
Board members discussed the matter after public comment and a motion was made and seconded to table policy numbers 3231 and 4231 for further discussion and fine‑tuning. The board then voted on that motion; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from members present and the policies were tabled.
Board members said tabling will allow time to revisit the language and address concerns raised by the public and staff; the item will return for future consideration.
