A policy intended to protect transgender students is back in place at the Watchung Hills Regional High School District after the Board of Education voted by a slim margin to reinstate it.
The board voted 5-4 at its March 3 meeting to restore Policy 5756, which was rescinded in Sept. 2025.
Board members Michael Decker, Janine Potter, Patricia Rexford, and Kristina Ridente, and board Vice President Heather Trumpore voted for the policy. Board members Lori Falzarano-Rozmerski, Daniel Gallic, Catherine Leigh, and Carol Prasa voted against it. Board President Michael Birnberg abstained.
The policy outlines procedures for school administrators, staff and faculty “that ensure a supportive and nondiscriminatory environment for transgender students,” according to a copy of the policy posted on the district’s website. The full policy can be viewed here: ELANOnline District Policies.
“The school district shall keep confidential a current, new, or prospective student’s transgender status,” a policy excerpt read, and allow students to use facilities including restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity.
The policy, which comes from guidance outlined by the New Jersey Department of Education, angered some parents who believe they have a right to be informed by the school if their child comes out at school as trans. Advocates of the policy believe confidentiality is necessary because trans students could be subjected to hostility at home and they have a right to privacy.
The policy was adopted April 24, 2019, rescinded Sept. 9, 2025, and was revised and readopted at the board’s meeting March 3 meeting, according to a copy of the policy.
Emails, which were sent to all board members and to the superintendent seeking comment, were not returned.
The Somerset County school district serves Green Brook Township, Warren Township, Watchung Borough, and the Morris County municipality of Long Hill Township.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for March 24. Following an executive session at 7 p.m., the public portion of the meeting is expected to begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the Learning Commons at Watchung Hills Regional High School, 108 Stirling Road, Warren Township.
