The Derby Board of Education on Dec. 8 approved a set of updated board policies, including a revised opt-out form that asks parents to "state the particular religious objection" to curriculum or materials, after a lengthy discussion about the form's scope.

Superintendent Heather Bohati presented the packet and said the policies reflect summer updates from the Kansas Association of School Boards and other statutory changes. Bohati told the board the DFAC changes follow recent federal uniform grant guidance and that legal counsel recommended retaining the opt-out wording as drafted. "Legal recommends keeping it as is," Bohati said.

Board member speaker 3 objected to the opt-out form's request for a detailed religious explanation, calling it "getting a little outside our scope as a public school." The board member asked how principals would interpret responses and said, "I don't think asking parents to state specifically what that religious belief is...is their business." Bohati responded that principals could follow up when a form is incomplete and that the form was developed with legal review.

Other board members spoke in favor of adopting the policies now. Kathy said earlier steps and outreach had been taken and defended the district's pace in updating policy to reflect legal changes. Mark said he opposed rushing but concluded the state's similar actions meant the district could adopt the policy now and socialize it further with teachers.

The board voted 7-0 to approve the policy packet (item 7D). Bohati said building principals had already received guidance from legal counsel and that the district would provide talking points and a timeline for implementation, with notifications anticipated before students return in January.

What happened next: the board recorded the approval without amendments and moved on to remaining agenda items.

Why it matters: the opt-out wording governs how parents may request their child be excused from certain curricular or supplemental materials and could affect how principals process exemptions and communicate with families.