'Disruptions' At Hillsborough School Board Meetings Prompt Civility Policy

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — After dealing with disruptions and concerns at previous school meetings, the Hillsborough Board of Education passed the first reading of a new civility policy on Monday night. (See the policy below)

"This is in hopes that we restore civility into our district in instances where it has not always been in place," said Board President Paul Marini at the school board meeting. "I was hoping we wouldn't have to do this but we think this will at least put something in place so we have a standard for expected behavior within the community."

The first reading of the policy was read at the Oct. 10 meeting. It passed but not unanimously. Board Member Gregory Gillette voted no to the policy without explanation.

The policy calls for the Hillsborough Township Board of Education members, district administrators, and staff to treat parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and other members of the public with respect and expect the same consideration in return.

"The district is committed to maintaining orderly educational and administrative processes in keeping schools and administrative offices free from disruption and preventing unauthorized persons from entering school/district grounds," according to the policy.

The policy was supported after the school board meeting had "disruptions and concerns at previous meetings. It was obviously at its height when we were having mask discussions," said Marini.

Specifically, on Feb. 14, the Hillsborough school board was forced to shut down its meeting after some residents refused to put on masks. Read More: Unmasked Residents Shut Down Hillsborough School Board Meeting

This led to the Board hosting a virtual meeting to avoid a conflict. Read More: Avoiding Mask Issues Hillsborough Sets Virtual School Meeting

The policy outlines disruptions as any individual who:

1. Disrupts or threatens to disrupt school/office operations (e.g. loud and aggressive verbal disruptions at school or school events after being warned, refusal to follow sign-in protocols at the school sites)
2. Threatens the health and safety of students or staff (e.g. verbal threats to students or staff)
3. Willfully causes property damage (e.g. breaking objects on school grounds)
4. Uses loud and/or offensive language (racial slurs and verbal insults to staff)
5. Is verbally or physically intimidating (e.g. stands within a foot of another’s personal space, finger-pointing)
6. Has otherwise established a continued pattern of unauthorized entry on district property (e.g. a person refusing to leave after repeated warnings)
7. Harasses staff and others through repeated telephone calls, other communications (i.e. emails) and confrontations in parking lots will be directed to leave school or district property promptly by the Superintendent, Principal or their respective designee

If a disruption does occur:

• If any member of the public uses obscenities or speaks in an abusive, insulting, and/or demeaning manner, the administrator or employee to whom the remarks are directed will calmly and politely request the speaker to communicate civilly.
• If corrective action is not taken by the abusing person, the district employee will seek to include an administrative representative in the meeting in an effort to restore civility. If an administrator is not available and/or a civil tone is not restored, the district employee will verbally notify the abusing person that the meeting, conference, or telephone conversation is terminated and, if the meeting or conference is on district premises, the abusing person will be asked to leave promptly.
• When an individual is directed to leave under the above circumstances, the Superintendent, Principal, or their respective designee shall inform the person that he or she may be guilty of a misdemeanor in accordance with New Jersey law.
• If the person refuses to leave, the Superintendent, Principal or their respective designee may notify law enforcement officials.

See the full policy below:

Policy 9202 - Civility 1st Rdg 10.10.22 by Alexis Tarrazi on Scribd

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