Chino Valley Unified board adopts local safeguards, passes resolution addressing AB 495
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Summary
The Chino Valley Unified School District board unanimously adopted a resolution to 'safeguard every child' and preserve local verification practices after debating perceived loopholes in Assembly Bill 495; board members said the district will require verification beyond an affidavit before releasing students.
Chino Valley Unified School District — The board of education on Tuesday adopted Resolution 2025–2026–202 to "safeguard every child and protect students from unauthorized release and preserve parental authority under AB 495," after a discussion in which board members said the state law contains gaps the district will not allow to expose students to risk.
Board President Sonia Shaw framed the resolution as a protective measure, calling AB 495 "the predator's dream bill, the kidnapping dream bill" and saying the district will implement local safeguards "to make sure our kids are safe" rather than rely on an affidavit alone. Mr. Cruz raised a hypothetical scenario in which a babysitter could sign an affidavit and remove a child without a court order; the board cited that as an example of the statute's potential vulnerability.
Superintendent Doctor Enfield told the board that district procedures already emphasize verification and that administrators would work with legal counsel to ensure staff follow appropriate safeguards if a release affidavit is presented. Enfield also reaffirmed district practice that visitors and external agents are limited to school offices unless a court order requires broader access.
The resolution was moved by Mr. Naugh and seconded by Mr. Cruz. The board recorded the motion as passing by a 5–0 vote (preferential voting yes recorded in the transcript). The board directed staff to develop or codify local verification procedures to accompany any parental designation permitted under state law.
Votes at a glance - Resolution 2025–2026–202 (AB 495 safeguards): Motion by Mr. Naugh; second by Mr. Cruz; recorded outcome: approved, 5–0. - Consent agenda: approved, 5–0 (preferential voting reported). - Pulled consent item 3.c.1 (25–26–11): approved, 4–1 with Mr. Smith recorded as voting no.
Why it matters AB 495 (Assembly Bill 495) provides a mechanism for parents to pre-designate a trusted adult to care for their children in specified circumstances. Board members said they support parental choice but want district-level verification to prevent unauthorized releases. The resolution commits district staff to draft and implement procedures intended to prevent unauthorized release of students when presented with a caregiver affidavit.
What the board said Shaw: "We are not going to put kids at risk. That would be reckless of us." Cruz: "That scenario — a babysitter signing an affidavit and taking a child — is why we must require safeguards." Enfield: "If ICE or other agents appear, we will follow legal process and consult our attorneys and cabinet."
Next steps The board directed staff to return with proposed administrative procedures and any companion policy language for board consideration before the next school year.
