Board votes 4–1 to advertise state-required policy on religious expression in schools

The Volusia County School Board voted 4–1 to grant authority to advertise proposed School Board Policy 5.28, titled “Policy on religious expression in public schools,” after school legal counsel and the superintendent said the action is required by state law.

The vote: The board moved to advertise the policy (Item 17.01); the motion was made by Jessie Thompson, seconded by Christa Goodrich, and passed with four votes in favor and one opposed (tally recorded as 4–1 in the meeting transcript). The dissenting vote was not recorded by name in the public transcript.

Why it matters: School Board Attorney Gilbert Evans told the board the policy is required by Florida Statute 1002.206(6), which directs counties to adopt a policy addressing a limited public forum and voluntary student and staff expression of religious viewpoints. The attorney said the state Department of Education contacted districts noting Volusia was among counties that had not yet adopted the policy and advised immediate compliance.

What the policy does: Board discussion referenced the model policy provided by the Department of Education. Several board members and a public commenter asked questions about the policy’s scope: how it treats “student expression of religious viewpoints” in homework and classroom assignments; how the district would define “permissible subjects” in limited public forums; and whether the model language could be narrowed. Attorney Evans and the superintendent explained the district’s draft follows the state model and that the board’s action authorizes public advertisement — the next step — after which the board will receive any public comments and may consider final adoption.

Public comment and board concern: One community speaker asked why the policy was being adopted now and whether it potentially expands the role of religion in classrooms. Chair Jamie Haynes and other board members responded that the policy was prepared at the state level and that the district must follow statutory requirements. Donna Brosmer and other board members asked clarifying questions about definitions and whether the model language extended beyond what was required by statute.

Next steps: Legal and policy staff will advertise the proposed Policy 5.28 for public comment in accordance with the statute and return to the board with any public feedback and recommended edits or final adoption language.

Ending: The board’s authorization to advertise does not itself change classroom practice; it moves the model policy into the public-advertisement stage required by state law.