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Parents press Chariho committee on student photo opt-outs and teacher-union alternatives during public forum
Summary
At the Oct. 21 meeting, parents raised two recurring concerns: some said district social-media/photo opt-outs were not honored and asked the committee to consider an opt-in policy; another speaker representing a local Moms for Liberty chapter promoted nonunion teacher associations. The superintendent promised follow-up on the photo opt-out issue.
During public forum, several residents raised concerns the committee said it would follow up on.
Alex McKendall (Richmond) told the committee he had opted out of social-media photography in the district's digital PowerSchool forms but said his child's photo nevertheless appeared. He asked why the system defaults to 'yes' and suggested the committee consider an opt-in policy so photos are not posted unless parents choose. The superintendent acknowledged the district uses PowerSchool digital forms and promised to investigate the incident and consult legal counsel; she said public-event photos (e.g., athletic events) can be posted when attendees are in public settings, but in-house postings should respect opt-out selections.
Jasmine Roy, vice chair of Moms for Liberty, Washington County, asked teachers to consider nonunion alternatives and promoted specific organizations (the American Teachers Alliance and Teachers Freedom Alliance) that she said provide nonunion options and protections. She said many teachers do not know about such alternatives and offered to share materials.
Committee members and staff repeatedly emphasized the limitations of public comment (two minutes per speaker) but agreed to follow up: administration committed to reviewing the PowerSchool opt-out implementation and to prepare potential policy language for separating photography/yearbook permissions from social-media reproduction. The chair noted the policy subcommittee will consider photography and media rules, including social-media handling at elementary events.
No formal policy change was made at the meeting; follow-up work was requested and placed on future-agenda lists.
