Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Policy Parents Rights topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves Neola policy packet C as parents press for clarity on ’parents’ bill of rights’
Summary
After public comment raised questions about language in the district’s proposed Parents’ Bill of Rights, the Stow‑Munroe Falls Board of Education voted to approve Neola policy packet C. Speakers asked how the policy would be applied at elementary schools and how parents would be notified about counseling or health concerns.
The Stow‑Munroe Falls City School District Board of Education on March 3 approved Neola policy packet C following public comment that sought clearer language about the district’s proposed Parents’ Bill of Rights policy.
The policy packet was moved and seconded by board members (names not specified on the motion) and approved by roll call: Antoinette East Jenkins — aye; Marlietti — aye; Sheehan — aye; Sue Donnick — aye; Wind — aye.
Parents and residents used the public comment period to press for specific clarifications. Rachel Revelle, who identified herself as a parent of district students, said she supported the premise that “parents have the fundamental rights to make decisions for their kids,” but asked the board to explain language in policy 5780.01 that refers to what is and is not considered certain curriculum content. Revelle asked whether references to “incidental references to [protected] concepts or gender ideology occurring outside of formal instruction” could include classroom posters, flags or other informal materials and how the district would keep such material from younger students in K–4 buildings if instruction for related topics occurs in older elementary grades.
Patrick Gallano, the district treasurer/CFO, and Dr. Gould (district leadership) said the written policies arise from new state requirements and that the district is working to align local policy to Ohio law. Board members and staff said the written policy identifies health‑care services, opt‑out procedures and notification requirements that must be made available to parents; legal counsel and counseling staff have met with the district to discuss implementation.
Board members also cited Ohio Revised Code sections addressing school health instruction and parental notification (transcript references to Ohio Revised Code 3313.6 and 3313.6011 were read aloud during discussion). The board said counselors and staff will review guidance and that the district will provide lists of health‑care services and opt‑out procedures consistent with state law.
Why it matters: Parents asked for precise language because the district’s elementary schools are K–4 and some parents expressed concern that older elementary students’ instruction could be seen or discussed by younger students who share a building. Board members said they will circulate finalized policy language and that legal has been asked to review the draft before the board takes a final adoption vote on changes requiring legal input.
Votes at a glance: • Neola policy packet C (includes policy 5780.01, Parents’ Bill of Rights) — motion approved by roll call (5–0). Motion and second recorded but movers not named on record. No amendments recorded.
What comes next: The board indicated it will obtain legal review of the final draft and return to the board for formal adoption or additional edits after that review.
