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Parents and residents push for Turning Point USA club as board weighs student-club rules
Summary
Community members urged Jenison Public Schools to allow a Turning Point USA chapter at the high school and asked the board to clarify student-initiated club rules, including staff-sponsor requirements and minimum membership; district staff said they will verify student interest and consider standardized forms and sponsor compensation.
Several parents and residents urged the Jenison Public Schools Board of Education on Sept. 29 to permit a Turning Point USA chapter at the high school and called for clearer rules for student-initiated, non-curricular clubs.
“Turning Point USA would provide students with valuable opportunities to deepen their understanding of civic responsibility, the Constitution, and the importance of free expression,” said Rich Mapes during the public-comment period. Mapes told the board he believed the group would help students engage in civil discussions while learning to navigate differing perspectives respectfully.
BJ Goulette, whose son has been trying to form a TPU chapter since spring, said the district’s club policies are unclear about whether a staff member must be involved or whether an outside adult may lead. “We need clarity on requirements and procedures,” Goulette said, asking the board to clarify whether clubs may be student-led and what counts as a staff sponsor.
Harvey Nikkel supported allowing the TPU chapter and added that he had heard troubling reports, not necessarily from within Jenison Public Schools, about staff reacting inappropriately to national political events; he said he would be disappointed to learn of such behavior in the district. No specific incidents were cited during the meeting.
The board discussed Policy 5510 (Student-Initiated, Non-Curricular Clubs) during a round-table segment. Dr. Brandon Graham reviewed the policy and described current practice: clubs generally require a minimum of 10 interested students and should meet at least 10 times per year. Board members said they want a standardized form and clearer procedures for starting clubs and asked staff to examine compensation options for staff who choose to sponsor non-school-sponsored clubs.
Dr. Graham said he would follow up with the students who reported interest in forming a TPU chapter to confirm whether at least 10 students are committed and to help identify a trusted adult to support the group. The board did not take a formal vote on chartering any club at the Sept. 29 workshop.
The discussion leaves open procedural questions for the board and administration: whether an outside adult may lead a non-curricular club, how the district documents student interest, and how staff sponsorship or compensation will be handled. The administration indicated it will return with recommended language and a process to the board for further consideration.
