Parent urges Troy School District to add exemption notice to immunization letters

A Troy parent urged the school board Tuesday to add explicit language about exemption forms to a state-required immunization notice sent home for incoming seventh graders.

Mark Francis, who identified himself as a "concerned parent," read the district’s immunization notice aloud and said he was surprised that the letter—while warning that students may be excluded if they lack required shots—did not mention that exemption forms are available. "Why is there no mention of an exemption form available?" he asked, and requested that the district add that language to future mailings so parents know the option exists.

Board members acknowledged they had not previously noticed the letter’s precise wording and committed to reviewing it. One board member noted the notice is sent because it is required by state immunization rules; another said the board would look into the legalities and follow up with Mr. Francis.

Mr. Francis also expressed concern about vaccine ingredients, mentioning aluminum and thimerosal; trustees did not take formal action on those assertions during the meeting but said they would seek more information in response to the request about letter wording.

The board did not make an immediate change to the notice at the meeting and agreed to report back to Mr. Francis after the review.