Residents deliver 446‑signature petition after board withdraws second reading of Policy 7523

A coalition of residents called Montville Rising delivered a petition with 446 verified signatures to the Montville Township Board of Education on May 1, urging the board to withdraw proposed Policy 7523 in its entirety and to involve community members in any reworking.

Richard Lorenzo, who identified himself as a member of the coalition, told the board the petition was organized in the days before the meeting and said he would submit a certified count and methodology to the board secretary for the record. "We recognize that withdrawing the second reading required deliberation, and we are grateful for it," Lorenzo said, thanking board members and noting that residents stand ready to engage earlier in future committee conversations.

Why it matters: Lorenzo said the petition reflects a rapid and broad local response and urged the board to consult residents before reintroducing policy language. The board noted receipt of a letter from district counselors expressing concern about the policy and agreed to have materials recorded in the minutes and considered in future policy committee meetings.

Outcome: The board had already withdrawn the second reading of Policy 7523 prior to public comment; no further formal action to reintroduce or revise the policy occurred at this meeting. Lorenzo and coalition representatives offered to be part of future, more collaborative discussions should the policy reappear.