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Residents press board to tighten field-use policy over amplified sound and portable lights
Summary
Neighbors testified that the proposed field-use rules are vague on privately owned amplified sound and portable lighting; the board approved parts of the policy but tabled the section on supplemental lighting for further wording.
Multiple neighbors urged the Bernards Township Board of Education to tighten a proposed field-use policy, raising concerns that allowances for privately used amplified sound and portable lights would be vague and difficult to enforce.
During public comment, a resident who lives near district fields said the policy's language about privately used sound equipment lacks measurable standards and would leave neighbors to "police" noise. Ray Leader and other residents described recurring loud warm-ups and music from athletic events and asked the board to remove or better define provisions allowing portable speakers and lights.
Administration response: Superintendent Mr. McCary said the policy applies specifically to district-sponsored student activities and that student use of systems is expected to be supervised by staff; he acknowledged neighbors’ concerns and invited board direction to refine the language.
Board action: The board voted to approve portions of the policy (items one and two) and agreed to pull item three — the language concerning lighting/supplemental equipment — for further revision and a new first reading, so it will not take effect as written. Several board members said they would rework wording to create measurable, enforceable standards.
Why it matters: Neighbors and the district share an interest in keeping youth activities viable while protecting residential quality of life; the board signaled willingness to revisit and tighten standards before adopting the section on portable lighting.
