Board advances first reading of revised student mental‑health policy after heated public comment on parental consent

The Modesto City Schools Board on Jan. 20 completed a first reading of a revised student mental‑health board policy that district staff say aligns board language with recent changes to state education and family codes. Senior Director Tony Lomeli introduced the draft, which updates staff training requirements, referral protocols and references to telehealth and coping strategies.

The item drew sustained public comment. Multiple parents and residents urged clearer parental involvement requirements and pushed back against language they said could allow students age 12 and older to access mental‑health services without parental consent. Pamela LaChapelle said parts of the draft were “ambiguous” and urged explicit language that parents or guardians be included in referral and counseling steps. Cheryl Vanhorn asked for clearer definitions (for example, “digital resilience”), and Wesley Campbell warned the board against language he said could normalize affirmation of gender identity without parental input.

Vice President Daley, who identified herself as a licensed marriage and family therapist during the discussion, said she opposes providing mental‑health treatment to minors without parental consent except in narrow, legally defined circumstances. Board members and staff discussed Family Code and the effect of AB 665; district staff said family‑code exceptions are typically invoked when clinicians suspect abuse or when notifying parents would be detrimental to the child. Student representative Sabrina Tour urged care in defining when parental notification might be inappropriate and suggested staff consider ways clinicians could encourage students to involve parents when safe to do so.

Trustee Samantha Marks proposed edits intended to (1) add parental involvement where appropriate, (2) clarify age-appropriate student training and (3) soften or replace potentially religiously framed items such as "yoga" with alternatives like stretching and breathing exercises for posted coping strategies. Board members discussed telehealth language and whether the district would use vendorized telehealth only as a method of last resort.

By motion, the board approved the first reading with the changes suggested during the meeting and directed staff to draft revised policy language for a second reading on Feb. 10. Several trustees said they want the administrative regulation (AR) to specify age-appropriate training, parental-notification protocols and to reconcile policy language with Family Code and Education Code requirements.

The board’s action at this meeting authorized staff to proceed with revisions and to return with a revised BP/AR package and legal review as needed.