Important Statement From Mr. Biral Patel, Board of Education President, Regarding Policy 5756

October 9, 2024

"As stated by Superintendent Dr. Aldarelli in his message to the community, Policy 5756 has not been abolished. At the last Board meeting, a motion was made from the floor (meaning it was not on the agenda) to abolish the Policy. The Board at that time followed the attorney’s advice who was present in the meeting concerning the process for handling that motion that came from the floor and a vote was taken by the Board to approve the motion. 

According to our Board bylaws, a policy can only be officially abolished at a subsequent meeting of the Board after approval at a previous meeting. In other words, it takes two votes of the board at two separate meetings in order to abolish a policy. Therefore, Policy 5756 has not been abolished and is in full force and effect.  We want to ensure a complete and correct process is followed and full transparency is maintained in any further Board action that is taken with respect to this.

In furtherance of ensuring a proper process is followed with our examination of this Policy, I believe the Board must perform a thorough review of the pros and cons of this Policy before having a final discussion on it.  

We have enormous faith in Superintendent Dr. Aldarelli to guide our District and under his leadership we are striving to ensure Board members make the right decisions for students, parents, staff members, and the entire Edison Township Community."