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Parents raise student‑safety and mask questions as board member announces retirement
Summary
During public comment at the Feb. 22 meeting, parents raised concerns about HIB investigations, notification practices and mask guidance; the board also heard a retirement announcement from member Michael Morelli and a counselor's thanks to the board.
Parents and staff used the public comment periods at the Hainesport Township Board of Education meeting on Feb. 22 to press the board on student‑safety procedures and mask guidance, and a long‑serving board member announced he would retire at the end of the meeting.
What happened: During a public comment period near the middle of the agenda, several residents and district staff spoke. Counselor Rose Wenz thanked the board for its support during her tenure. Resident Clararesa Gathers asked whether school clubs would reopen in spring; President Cardonick responded that if sports resume, clubs will, too. Resident Kaleasha Miles complained about the board’s and administration’s handling of interactions at meetings and noted that state police were present during an earlier portion of the meeting. Diane Baldwin described incidents involving her daughter both inside and outside the Hainesport school, raised concerns about an HIB investigation and asked why she was not notified when her child was asked to provide information; she urged the board to take steps to make students feel safe. Jody Hahn asked how students would be informed about new mask rules.
Board response and process limits: The board reiterated a procedural reminder that items touching on litigation, students, personnel or negotiations cannot be discussed in public and requested that parents see the superintendent after the meeting for matters the board cannot address in open session. No formal policy change or vote on notification procedures or mask rules was recorded at the meeting.
Board member retirement and tone: Later in the meeting Human Resources chair Michael Morelli announced he would retire from the board effective at the end of the meeting and offered remarks about his tenure. President Cardonick formally thanked counselor Rose Wenz for her service.
What’s next: The board did not record any immediate policy actions in response to the public safety concerns; the minutes note the procedural instruction to consult the superintendent for matters involving students or litigation. Parents who raised concerns were advised to follow up with district administration.
