Most Parent-Student Groups Now Compliant

During yesterday’s meeting of the Belleville Board of Education, board attorney Alfonse DeMeo announced that all but two of the student-government organizations in the district have met new requirements imposed by the district last month. The SGOs are being asked to provide proof of insurance, to show that they are registered as nonprofits and other documentation.

A few SGO parents have spoken against the measures, saying they are onerous or conflcit with the groups’ independence. SGOs, like PTAs and Home and School Associations, are separate bodies from the district but serve individual grade schools and use school facilities for fundraising activities.

Six groups are in compliance, DeMeo said, while two others are “nearly in compliance”. An additional two had not submitted any documentation as of last night, DeMeo said. He declined to identify the SGOs that have so far failed to meet the requirements.

DeMeo and Superintendent Joseph Picardo were scheduled to meet tonight with representatives from any SGOs who may have questions about the policy.

In other news:
*Picardo announced that results from te NJASK and HESPA standardized test have been received. The results will be discussed at a subsequent meeting, Picardo said, also indicating that the district has shown slight improvement.
 *Picardo has been invited to take part in the Education Nation Summit in New York City Sept. 26-27. Sponsored by NBC News, educators, parents and business and government leaders will gather to discuss improving the nation’s education system.
*Rocco Genova Jr., a Belleville High School junior, said 60 students recently served as in-school suspension for wearing multicolored footwear, a violation of the district’s uniform policy. Genova asked the board whether this was an appropriate punishment. Picardo directed Genova to first address the matter with BHS administration.
* The next meeting of the Belleville Board of Education was rescheduled to Oct. 17 from Oct. 13, while the Oct. 24 meeting was cancelled. The meeting will be held at 8 pm on the 17th at the library of BHS, 100 Passaic Ave.