The Board of Education introduced a revised policy on school visitors at its meeting on Nov. 19 leaving the principals to give permission as to who can visit with students during school hours.
by Amy Batista, Special Writer
ROBBINSVILLE — The Board of Education introduced a revised policy on school visitors at its meeting on Nov. 19 leaving the principals to give permission as to who can visit with students during school hours.
Board Member Sharon DeVito questioned, based on policy wording, under what circumstances would a visitor who is not a parent or guardian would be permitted to visit a student.
Superintendent Dr. Steven Mayer said a guest speaker, a caseworker, or a presenter would be the scenario.
Under the policy, visitors to each district school must present a driver’s license or other state identification to be screened and properly registered. In addition, visitor management will include scanning a national offender registry and printing a badge containing a photo of the visitor.
”The purpose of that statement is a control,” Superintendent Mayer said. “No visitors can just come in without authorization and talk to kids.
”No visitor may confer with a student or a staff member in school without the approval of the principal,” Superintendent Mayer added.
Ms. DeVito questioned whether it would be more appropriate to have the parent or guardian give the approval.
”I’m a parent and I don’t want some visitor coming in and talking to my kid unless I give permission,” Ms. DeVito said, noting she feels the policy is too broad.
Board member Shaina Ciaccio agreed, and said the board was setting a “dangerous precedent” with regards to visitors being able to visit students without parental authorization.
”In the world of the state, as a (Division of Youth and Family Services) worker, I can go in and talk to your kids without your permission,” said Ms. Ciaccio.
Questions were raised on how to determine the difference between events like a wax museum, a guest speaker, a caseworker, a college recruitment and even military recruiters speaking to students.
”If someone wants to meet for someone for college they can do that,” said Board President Michael Reca.
”Where does the parent permission come in for people talking to recruiters?,” Ms. DeVito asked, to which Mr. Mayer responded saying military recruiters is “not this policy.
Parent’s sign off on such visits, according to several comments made from board members.
”I don’t know how you can put parameters on this other than the discretion of the principal,” Mr. Reca said.
Superintendent Mayer agreed leaving it up to the principals at each school to make the final determination.
”I feel that the language about the approval of the principal covers it,” Superintendent Mayer said. “The purpose of this statement is to say that it’s not open season. People just don’t come into the school and get to talk to kids. The principal must approve that and so we are hoping to use good discretion in that implementation of that policy which is pretty much true in implementing all policies.”