Boone County board rejects KSBA-drafted moral-instruction policy after lengthy debate

The Boone County Board of Education voted 1–4 on Nov. 13 to reject the second reading of board policy O 8.135, a KSBA-drafted framework to implement KRS 158.200, the statute that permits local boards to allow pupils to be excused for up to one hour per week to attend district‑approved moral instruction.

Supporters of the policy said the draft provides a neutral framework for considering written provider applications and managing expectations for transportation, background checks and reporting. The district attorney and superintendent told trustees that the statute requires boards to consider any written provider submission and that the policy would spell out baseline requirements such as insurance, transportation plans and criminal background checks for adults who interact with students.

Opponents — including teachers and…