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Pequannock board discusses volunteer residency question and student device policy options
Summary
Trustees reviewed whether the state’s residency statute applies to unpaid volunteers and discussed forthcoming recommendations on rules for cellphones and other internet‑enabled devices, seeking student and staff input before final action.
At the March 2 workshop the board reviewed two policy questions: whether New Jersey’s residency statute applies to unpaid volunteers and how the district should regulate internet‑enabled devices in schools.
On the residency question, administrators noted the district policy is silent about whether unpaid volunteers fall under the New Jersey First Act’s residency requirement; the board was told a 2025 court decision found the statute unconstitutional, but that decision is under appeal and the statute remains in effect pending that appeal. Administrators said they had researched legislative intent and plan to treat unpaid volunteer roles differently from salaried positions unless legal guidance indicates otherwise.
On student device policy, the board said it expects an outside consultant’s recommendation soon. Trustees and administrators discussed a range of options for compliance and practicality — including student‑managed storage, pocket or backpack solutions, Yondr‑style bags, detectors, or disciplinary approaches — and emphasized the importance of student council and staff input so the eventual policy will be practical and equitable.
No policy was adopted at the meeting; administrators said they will return with the consultant’s recommendation and with staff and student council input for board review.
