Galloway School Board Faces Controversy Over Transgender Policy and Budget Discussions

The Galloway Township Board of Education meeting on April 14th, 2025, focused on several issues, including a debate over policy 5756 concerning parental notification of transgender students’ identities, budget discussions, and the potential closure of Pomona School. Superintendent Stephen Santilli provided detailed insights into these matters as the board navigated community concerns and operational challenges.

01:00:33The most heated discussion centered around policy 5756, which addresses whether school officials should inform parents about their children’s gender identity. During the public comment segment, several speakers expressed their opposition to the policy, arguing that it undermines parental rights and could have negative repercussions on students’ mental health. One speaker emphasized, “it is important that all the members of our school community, especially parents, understand the current status of policy 5756.” This opposition was echoed by another community member who argued that withholding information from parents could lead to confusion and harm for students, stating, “the truth will set you free,” and advocating for traditional values in upbringing. The discourse highlighted a divide within the community, with some prioritizing parental rights and others stressing the autonomy and support of students grappling with gender identity issues.

19:19In addition to policy discussions, the meeting addressed financial considerations. The superintendent outlined a potential request for an additional $7.5 million from taxpayers, explaining that the district is underfunded by that amount. Despite this funding gap, the superintendent did not recommend pursuing the additional funds, citing ethical concerns and the need for a balanced budget. The board unanimously agreed not to seek this additional funding, opting instead to manage resources without increasing the tax burden on residents. The superintendent also clarified that the district received approximately $1.5 million in state aid, only half of the anticipated amount due to a 6% cap, which would have otherwise entitled them to $3.2 million. This discussion shed light on the financial challenges facing the district and the board’s approach to addressing them.

26:01The future of Pomona School was another topic, with the superintendent discussing its potential closure. He explained that the building is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employs a relocatable trailer classroom. If preschool expansion continues, the trailer would need to be taken offline, reducing classroom availability. The superintendent proposed relocating students and staff to their home schools to ensure efficient use of resources. He acknowledged the historical significance of Pomona School and reassured the board that any transition plan would involve clear communication and community input.

02:42In other matters, the board celebrated various achievements within the district. The introduction of new staff members and the recognition of the GTMS wrestling team, the boys basketball team, and the Think Day team were highlights. Certificates were presented to students for their accomplishments, maintaining a celebratory atmosphere. Additionally, the board marked Board Recognition Month by selecting books for school libraries, each bearing a bookplate acknowledging their service.

37:44Personnel changes were also addressed, with the board approving the retirement of Mr. Kevin McGloin, principal at Arthur Ran Elementary School, after 25 years of service. Public comments during the meeting highlighted Kevin’s dedication and impact on the school community, with speakers expressing gratitude for his contributions.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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