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Board advances first reading to repeal Policy 57‑56 after emotional debate over parental notification
Summary
A motion to rescind Policy 57‑56 (the policy title was not specified in the meeting) advanced to a first reading on a 5–4 roll‑call vote after an extended debate about confidentiality, parental notification and legal risk; the board attorney had advised caution because litigation is pending.
Board member Catherine DiMaggio moved to rescind Policy 57‑56 during the meeting, initiating a lengthy discussion about whether the policy restricts parental notification and whether it was adopted under the impression it was mandated by the state. "I wanna make a motion to rescind policy 57 56," DiMaggio said at the microphone.
Superintendent Dr. Jewett told the board the district's attorney had advised caution. "That is the advice our attorney advised us of, is to not take any action because it's still in litigation," Dr. Jewett said, explaining legal counsel's position. Several board members and administrators argued the policy had been widely misinterpreted; Dr. Jewett said the policy "does not say parents will not be informed" and described confidentiality practices for counseling staff.
Other board members and public speakers framed the issue as a parental‑rights concern. One board member said, "If 1 of my kids was going through a tough time, I'd want to know about it," and a member of the public, who identified himself at the podium as Brandon Amsek of Warren, said the way the item appeared at the meeting was "unbelievably unfair" because many attendees were unprepared to discuss or vote on the measure.
Procedural history and votes at the meeting: - An attempt to table the motion failed (tabling motion defeated; transcript indicates the tabling motion did not carry). The board then debated whether to treat repeal as an "emergency" exception to the board's two‑reading bylaw. - A motion to amend the original motion to read that the repeal be taken "at first reading" was made and seconded. The amendment and the motion to repeal at first reading were both approved by roll call; the transcript records the result as a 5–4 roll‑call vote in favor of moving the repeal at first reading.
Board members on both sides said they were motivated by concern for students and for legal clarity. Those favoring repeal argued the policy had been presented to the prior board as mandatory when the state guidance is contested and that the policy could be redundant with existing confidentiality rules in counseling practice. Those opposing immediate repeal warned the vote could be seen as a signal against vulnerable students and urged careful messaging.
Next steps: under the board's bylaws the repeal requires a second meeting action to complete the repeal process unless the board declares an emergency exception; board members requested legal counsel be present and recommended additional briefing and community messaging before a final decision.
Ending: The board advanced the measure to a first reading; the item will return to the board for a subsequent vote after further legal review and committee discussion.
