Parma board adopts package of policies including release time for religious instruction; one member votes no

The Parma City School District Board of Education on July 17 adopted a set of new policies covering governance, grants, internal controls, student services and records.

The packet included Policy 1130 (conflict of interest), Policy 3113 (conflict of interest), Policy 4113 (conflict of interest), Policy 6110 (grant funds), Policy 6111 (internal controls), Policy 6112 (cash management of grants), Policy 6114 (cost principles), Policy 7310 (disposition of surplus property), Policy 8310 (public records), Policy 6151 (insufficient funds checks), Policy 2260.02 (single-gender classes and activities), Policy 5330 (use of medications), Policy 5223 (release time for religious instruction during the school day) and Policy 2265 (protections of individual beliefs and affiliations).

Policy lead Ms. Kovar moved the package; a board member seconded. During the roll call, Board member Ms. Cohart said she would vote no on the package only because of Policy 5223, release time for religious instruction during the school day. In explaining her vote, she said: “I feel that this violates principle of the constitution of of separation of church and state, and I also feel it will be very disruptive to the school day.” The remainder of the board recorded yes votes and the policy package was approved.

Why it matters: the adopted policies set local rules for grant management, internal controls, public-records handling, personnel conflicts of interest, and student programming. Policy 5223 on release time for religious instruction was the only policy singled out in public board discussion as constitutionally and operationally concerning by a board member.

Outcome: The policy package was adopted by roll call; Ms. Cohart registered a no vote specifically on the release-time policy.