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Union and residents push back on proposed three-minute public-comment limit at Old Bridge board meeting
Summary
At the May 20 meeting, Andrew Lewis of OBEA and residents urged the board not to shorten public-comment time; the policy's first reading is on the agenda and the board signaled it will take further feedback before a second reading.
Andrew Lewis of the Old Bridge Education Association urged the board at its May 20 meeting not to adopt a proposed change to Policy 167 that would reduce public-comment time at board meetings.
"Don't shrink the space for public input right when we might need it the most," Lewis said, arguing the proposed policy was posted late and that the timing — amid budget decisions, a superintendent search and possible redistricting — made it the wrong moment to restrict voices.
Board members and committee chairs said the proposed change emerged from the policy committee and its first reading was on the agenda. One committee member explained the rationale: during controversial topics some speakers use five minutes to "pontificate," and the committee believed a three-minute limit would encourage concise, focused remarks and allow more people to speak.
The chair closed the public comment mic after several speakers and noted the policy first reading would remain on the agenda; the board indicated it would receive additional feedback ahead of a second reading. Several trustees said they welcome comment by email and suggested the committee will consider public concerns when drafting the final language.
The exchange highlighted a central tension for the board: balancing orderly meetings and broad public access. Residents at the meeting argued for greater transparency and public notice when policy changes are proposed; union and parent representatives asked the board to postpone restrictions while high-stakes district decisions are pending.
