UPDATE: The proposed revision of a crucial policy governing leadership eligibility for the Norristown Area School District school board has been abruptly removed from the agenda during a regular meeting on October 23, 2023. This decision has sparked significant controversy within the community as the board gears up for the upcoming elections.
During Monday evening’s meeting, district officials announced that the revision of Policy 005 would not be considered, a move that has left many questioning the motivations behind the proposal. Superintendent Christopher Dormer stated, “the board will not be proceeding with this revision now or later,” but declined to elaborate further on the decision.
Originally enacted in 2004, Policy 005 outlines the procedures for reorganization, which occurs each December when members elect their president and vice president. The proposed revisions aimed to restrict eligibility for these key roles, stating that a school board director must serve at least one full year before being nominated. This change would effectively disqualify any new members from leadership positions during their initial election cycle.
The urgency surrounding this revision stems from the upcoming 2025 general election, scheduled for November 4, where five new candidates are competing for vacant seats on the nine-member board. Candidates include Jordan Alexander, Terrell L. Dale, Cynthia Davenport, and Jeremiah Lemke for four-year terms, alongside William Caldwell for a two-year term. Notably, incumbent President Christopher Jaramillo and board member Tessi Ruiz were disqualified from the ballot for failing to file required financial interest forms.
Local residents have voiced their concerns over the proposed changes, viewing them as a potential power grab by current board members. Community member Roseanne Milazzo criticized the proposal, stating, “This is a terrible way to begin a new term. Instead of seizing control from new members, you should be uniting with them.”
Milazzo, who also serves as a township commissioner, described the proposed policy changes as a “blatant political maneuver” that could disenfranchise voters. Others echoed her sentiments, arguing that the board’s actions could create unnecessary hostility between outgoing and incoming members.
During discussions in the October 21 work session, two board members expressed confusion over the proposed language and advocated for abandoning the revision. Phil Daniels emphasized the need for unity, stating, “I think it creates some hostility between outgoing members and incoming members.”
The next Norristown Area School District school board meeting is set for 7 p.m. on November 24, at the district administration building located at 401 N. Whitehall Road, West Norriton Township. For updates, visit nasd.k12.pa.us.
As this situation develops, the community remains on high alert regarding the implications of the school board’s decisions and the upcoming electoral contest. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding story.
