Trustees at the Buckeye Valley Local School District meeting on Dec. 18 voted to advance policy 8805 to a second reading after an extended discussion that included public questions about flag displays and posting rules.

Speaker 3 moved to approve policy 8805 for a second reading; during debate Speaker 2 said the draft ‘‘prohibits flying or displaying... flyers, invitations for clubs can only be on an 8 and a half by 11 sheet of paper’’ and questioned why the policy — which Speaker 2 said mirrors Big Walnut Local Schools’ language — had been introduced without committee review. Candy Staley, a public commenter, asked whether postings ‘‘can only be posted on bulletin boards? What about doors? Can you use larger piece of paper than a regular size?’’

Supporters said a first reading had occurred at a prior meeting and that trustees and the public had the opportunity to review the policy. One trustee noted that procedural rules allow suspension of bylaws by vote and that the board had lawfully suspended bylaw 0 1 3 1 to consider the matter at this meeting. After discussion, the motion to approve policy 8805 for second reading passed by roll call, 4–1.

Nut graf: The policy drawn for Buckeye Valley limits types and sizes of displays and restricts flags in school buildings to the current U.S. and Ohio flags. Critics objected to the committee-review process and to the policy’s potential effect on school clubs and community postings; proponents said prior notice and an earlier first reading justified moving forward.

The policy language includes specific limits on posted materials and flags that some trustees said were derived from another district’s policy. Trustees debated whether the policy addresses mounted or fixed grounds displays and whether it would interfere with customary school activities such as team entrance flags; one trustee observed that the policy text references ‘‘grounds’’ and might not apply to carried or handheld flags used in events.

The board’s action at this meeting advances the policy to the next formal step but does not adopt it. The superintendent and trustees said there remains an opportunity to refine the language before a final vote. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled after the district’s organizational meeting on Jan. 7, 2026.

Ending: The vote to advance policy 8805 followed public questions and a trustee exchange over procedure and intent; the policy will return for further consideration at a later meeting.