Board reviews 60 resolutions for March 18 vote, including state‑mandated release‑time policy, property‑valuation complaints and tax exemption request

The Cleveland Board of Education reviewed 60 resolutions at its work session; the items were presented for discussion only and the board will consider adoption at its March 18 business meeting.

Release time for religious instruction

One item reviewed was Resolution 6.01, a district policy adopting release time for religious instruction. Staff told the board that Ohio House Bill 8, passed by the Ohio Legislature and signed by the governor in January, makes it mandatory for boards to adopt a policy authorizing students to be excused from school to attend religious instruction beginning April 9, 2025. The presentation said the policy requires 24‑hour advanced written consent from a parent or guardian, that the sponsoring entity maintain attendance records and provide transportation and liability coverage, that students may not be excused from core curriculum subjects and must make up missed work, that no district funds or staff time will be used for the religious instruction and that criminal background checks will be required for instructors and volunteers.

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