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CMSD to adopt parental‑involvement policy required by Ohio House Bill 8; district emphasizes inclusion and parent voice
Summary
The Cleveland Municipal School District presented a draft parental‑involvement policy required by Ohio House Bill 8 (Ohio Rev. Code §3313.473) and told the Board of Education it will adopt the policy before the July 1 deadline while working on local implementation guidance.
The Cleveland Municipal School District presented a draft policy required by Ohio House Bill 8 and codified at Ohio Revised Code section 3313.473, which the board must adopt by July 1, 2025.
CEO Dr. Morgan told the board the policy responds to state law and aims to provide transparency and parental notification about certain instruction and services. “This bill … the intention behind the state's policy around this is really making sure that parents have a voice,” Dr. Morgan said, adding the district’s work will preserve inclusion: “We welcome parent voice and choice … but at the same time, [we] want students to be seen, heard and valued.”
What the law requires: As summarized during the work session, the statute requires a board policy that addresses age‑appropriate presentation of specified content, prompt parental notification of substantial changes in services (including counseling), prohibitions on personnel encouraging students to withhold information from parents about their health or services, procedures to obtain parental authorization prior to providing health services, and a process for parents to file written concerns with school principals.
District implementation: Dr. Morgan said the administration is drafting administrative guidelines to explain how the policy will be carried out in schools, and that the Cleveland Teachers Union has been engaged where required. Board members asked for clarifications about scope; Dr. Morgan and staff emphasized the policy is new statewide and the local guidelines are still being developed.
Next steps: The board was told the policy will be adopted before the July 1 statutory deadline; administrative guidelines and procedures for implementation will follow and be shared with the board and community.
Ending: No vote on the draft policy was taken at the work session; the board will be asked to consider adoption at the upcoming June 24 business meeting.
