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Romeo Community Schools board debates Policy 4005 change restricting paid tutoring
Summary
At a Nov. 17 board meeting, trustees considered a first reading of Policy 4005 that would limit teachersability to provide paid tutoring. A teacher's letter urged reconsideration; board members asked for clarification that the policy targets paid-for tutoring and recommended further committee and legal review.
Romeo Community SchoolsBoard of Education on Nov. 17 held a first reading of Policy 4005 (Other Matters of Employment Outside Activities), prompting a teacher's letter read by board President Rachel Eichhorst that urged the board to reconsider a proposed restriction on tutoring for pay. The letter said the change disappointed staff and argued tutoring benefits students.
Why it matters: The proposed language would limit teachersability to engage in business transactions for tutoring, a practice some board members and staff said is currently common and seen by proponents as supporting students. Opponents warned that a strict restriction could curtail beneficial tutoring relationships; supporters said the rule aims to protect students and staff from liability when tutoring is a paid service.
During discussion, Ms. Banach said the policy is intended to address paid tutoring as a business transaction, "to protect the children and teachers from liabilities," and recommended the policy committee meet again to clarify wording. Ms. Cichocki said she does not agree with the proposed policy and said tutoring benefits students. Mr. Boyer asked whether the item should be referred to legal counsel for clarification. Dr. Robinson noted the change is not yet official and suggested legal counsel could explain reasons the district has for the policy.
Board procedure and next steps: The item remained at first reading and the board directed further review rather than voting to adopt the change. Trustees discussed scheduling another policy committee meeting and seeking legal counsel to clarify the policy's intent and limits. No formal amendment or vote to adopt Policy 4005 occurred at this meeting.
Context and clarifications: The minutes show the policy committee will revisit the wording; the transcript records that the teacher who wrote the letter asked that the policy be reconsidered "because we should want what's best for the students." The board's discussion repeatedly distinguished between unpaid tutoring that aligns with classroom support and the business transaction of paid tutoring, and members asked staff to provide clearer language and rationale before a final decision.
What remains unresolved: The exact final language and the policy committee's recommended changes were not specified at the meeting. Whether the district will permit paid tutoring under restricted conditions or ban it outright will depend on committee edits and any legal guidance the superintendent obtains.
