Board holds first reading of school climate survey policy amid debate over adding ‘equity and inclusivity’

The Hardyston Township School District board conducted a first reading of Policy 9128.01, a proposed school climate survey policy, and debated whether to include the phrase “equity and inclusivity in the school environment” in the survey design and content.

The policy was presented in first reading by the chair (S3). A board member (S2) asked that language be reinstated in the survey’s design section and argued the terms are important for measuring how students feel treated and included. S2 moved formally to add the language back into section 2 (design and content).

S3 and the policy committee said the draft policy was assembled from other districts’ templates and that some language had been removed during committee review. S2 pressed for clarity on who removed the language and said that, if students are surveyed, wording should capture whether students feel treated equally and invited to participate.

Board members raised practical questions about cost and implementation: S3 said committee research identified vendor examples with costs in the neighborhood of $5,000 for certain vendors, while other vendors may offer services without a fee. Members noted the policy is a first reading and can be refined before final adoption; several suggested submitting suggested edits to the policy committee for review prior to the next meeting.

A roll call was held on the motion to add the equity/inclusivity language; the record shows votes were taken and further committee consideration was advised if members still had questions.

Because this was a first reading, the policy will be returned to committee for edits or brought back for a subsequent vote after the board has had time to submit suggested revisions.