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Worthington board votes to rescind policy 5223, sets effective date to Dec. 31 after debate about timing
Summary
After discussion about potential disruption to programs and pending state legislation, the Worthington Board of Education voted Dec. 9 to rescind policy 5223 with an amendment making the rescission effective Dec. 31, 2024; the motion carried by recorded vote of the four members present.
The Worthington Board of Education voted on Dec. 9 to rescind board policy 5223 and amended the motion so the rescission becomes effective after Dec. 31, 2024.
Board member Jennifer Best raised procedural and community‑impact concerns during the second‑reading discussion, saying the board was "moving a little quickly" and suggesting either postponing the vote until January or amending the effective date so programs scheduled during the holiday break would not be canceled. Treasurer TJ Cusick clarified board procedure, saying that "once a first reading takes place, we must have it on a succeeding agenda until it's either approved or rejected," and legal counsel noted the board could set an effective date without changing policy language.
Following discussion, a member moved to rescind policy 5223 and then moved an amendment to set the effective date to Dec. 31, 2024. The board called and carried the amendment, then voted on the main motion as amended. The motion carried by recorded roll call with affirmative votes from Kelly Davis (vice president), Amber Epling Skinner, Stephanie Harless and Jennifer Best; one member (Hudson) was absent. Board members said the amendment was intended to avoid short‑term disruption to families and programs while completing the rescission process in light of evolving state legislation.
Members discussed how pending legislation — referenced generically in the meeting as possible changes to state requirements and bills that might be enacted during the lame‑duck session — could affect district policy language. Several members said that if the state enacts language (for example, changing discretionary language from "may" to "shall"), the district would revisit policy through its policy committee and the standard first/second reading process.
The board recorded the action as a formal rescission effective Dec. 31, 2024; district staff and the policy committee will monitor state legislative developments and return policy language for the board’s review as required.
Next steps: the rescission will be treated as effective Dec. 31; if the legislature enacts new requirements in the interim, the district’s policy committee will draft required policy language for future board consideration.
