Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • September 22, 2010 FLOW Area Hendricks finds regional district’s regulation unlawful by Frank J. McMahon Acting Commissioner of Education Rochelle R. Hendricks has determined that Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District’s regulation #6145 is unlawful. The regulation, which contains consequences related to student conduct both on and off school grounds, gives the school board authority beyond the scope of the state’s governing regulatory provisions, making its enforcement unlawful, Hendricks said. The regulation sets down the requirements for student conduct related to the use of alcoholic beverages and drugs, and compliance with the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice and applicable municipal codes or ordinances both on and off school grounds. The regulation also specifies the potential for the loss of participation in extracurricular activities. The decision by the commissioner of education was issued last week in response to a recommendation by Administrative Law Judge Richard McGill to nullify the school district’s regulation that would punish students who were arrested for conduct on, or away from, school grounds by temporarily revoking the violating student’s participation in extracurricular activities. The commissioner found that the school board has an obligation to establish a code of conduct for students and that the board’s desire to limit drug and alcohol abuse is a reasonable objective. But she pointed out that there are parameters by which all boards of education are bound and they may deny participation in extracurricular activities as disciplinary sanctions when they are designed to maintain the order and integrity of the school environment. “As such, there is no doubt that under certain circumstances a board may deny participation in extracurricular activities,” Hendricks wrote. But she explained there are limits on a board’s authority to deny participation in extracurricular activities for conduct that occurs off school grounds that is unrelated to a school event. Hendricks agreed that participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and not a right, but she explained that does not negate the fact that the board’s decision to revoke a student’s ability to participate in extracurricular activities amounts to a form of discipline. She found that the board’s regulation must comply with the requirements relating to discipline for conduct away from school grounds as outlined in the state’s administrative code. Hendricks was critical of the regulation for applying to any violation of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice or applicable municipal codes or ordinances. She emphasized (continued on page 16) Helpful Hints Helpful Hints from ome “Now is the time to use a Winter fertilizer to repair summer damage. Protect your lawn over the Winter and build a healthy foundation for Spring”. 27 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick Open Sundays 9-3 201-652-5666 Area Brock, O’Hagan to be honored at joint dinner William Brock, Jr. of Wyckoff and Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan of Midland Park will be honored at a testimonial dinner sponsored jointly by the Midland Park United Republican Club and the Wyckoff Republican League. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Brick House in Wyckoff. Brock, a lifelong Wyckoff resident, has devoted his life to community service. He is a member of Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church, where he is an usher, past deacon and elder and vice president of the council. He yearly drives a tractor trailer to Mississippi along with other members of the church to bring truck loads of supplies to the Cary Thrift store and has led youth groups there on mission trips. A volunteer with the Wyckoff Fire Department since 1973, he served as president of the Protection Fire Co.#1 and trustee. In 1978 he was presented with the Seaman Memorial Award Unit Citation by Box 54 Club for rescuing a woman out of a burning building on Pathway Manor. He was an integral part of the construction and completion of the Wyckoff Fallen Firefighters Memorial at Co. #1. Brock also serves on the Memorial Day Parade Committee and is a member of the Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce. He is a past member of the Wyckoff Zoning Board of Adjustment, past chairman of the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat Fair and a former member of the Wyckoff Lions Club. Brock is owner/partner of Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff. He served as president of the Bergen County Funeral Directors Association in 2001-2002, and is currently NJ State Chairman of The International Order of the Golden Rule and has been asked to be a board member. In 2010 he was honored with the Golden Light Award by his peers, which is the highest award given to an individual for their professional and community service Brock and his wife Linda have been married since 1973 (continued on page 11) Hank Says... ���������������������������� KEANE FIT & WELLNESS ��������� Sheila Keane ������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������� All Day Saturday, October 30th Rain or Shine Halloween Photos & Prizes This Halloween in Wyckoff, have your picture taken for FREE in your costume (photos will be emailed to you) and get special surprises compliments of the Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce. at the Wyckoff Plaza on Wyckoff Avenue ������������������������ ��������������������� ���������������������������������������������� • EDUCATED - MA in exercise science • CERTIFIED - ACSM, NASM, Post Rehab Specialist, MAT Specialist • EXPERIENCED - 15 years one-to-one personal training Sat., Oct. 30th, 10am-3pm 201-341-0183 • CALL NOW Fitness, Weight Loss, Bariatrics, Geriatrics & Parkinson’s Programs