Editor, Gazette-Journal:

As a lifetime resident and business owner in the Petsworth District of Gloucester County, I care deeply for my neighbors and this community. Through the years, I have played a role in the lives of many of our children and their parents by providing support and a listening ear.

In the last few years, I have seen many changes in our community—some good, some bad—but recently, after talking with local high school students, it is important to speak out. These students were upset because they were told they could not bring their boyfriend/girlfriend to the homecoming dance this year because they did not attend Gloucester High School.

When was the decision made to not allow students to invite students that are not current members of the student body to dances? Were the parents and students involved in this decision? Decisions should not be made solely by state and local education boards. Parental and student involvement is critical to the educational proces...