Two County School Board Members Say They Oppose Parental Notification Policy | Rockingham County

Rockingham County University Board member Matt Cross proposed a plan that would make it a necessity for academics to notify mothers and fathers when a college student asks to be termed a name other than the one on the student’s formal records.

It would also require mother and father to give approval for a school’s officials to contact a scholar by a identify other than the a single on their information.

The policy, launched at a assembly in May possibly, is now undergoing authorized evaluation with the University Board’s attorney to make certain the policy as presented does not violate any condition or federal legislation.

Quite a few individuals have appear out to public conferences to communicate out towards the policy and for it. People who are opposed to the plan say it will be out trans and non-binary pupils to their families and pose a threat to students’ basic safety if they do not have a supportive dwelling everyday living. Those for the plan cite parental rights as the motive.

The Day-to-day Information-Report attained out to Faculty Board Chair Dan Breeden, Vice Chair Jackie Lohr and associates Lowell Fulk and Charlette McQuilkin to see where they stand on the proposed parental notification plan.

Faculty Board Vice Chair Jackie Lohr said she is in opposition to any policy that adds additional paperwork for academics and for that reason less time for the college students.

“Before I was elected to provide on the board, a plan requiring notes from doctor’s visits was enacted,” Lohr reported in an e mail. “I observed firsthand how that policy drove a wedge between moms and dads and the university personnel. The staff members no more time had a moment to chat and find out how my youngster was executing, they were being way too hectic tracking down the paperwork, so when I picked my baby up for an appointment I just received a rapid ‘please bring a be aware from the health practitioner when you return.’”

“I worked to modify that plan when I was elected to the board, simply because I believe interaction is a developing block of our children’s schooling,” Lohr wrote. “There are so a lot of techniques to find out how your child is accomplishing in college- parent-trainer conferences, checking research, contacting and chatting with the trainer, listening to and engaging in your child’s discussions with their pals, and so on.”

“In these interactions you will, without a question, hear what name other folks are contacting your little one and if you object to that title you ought to have a discussion about it,” Lohr claimed. “However, I do not feel we will need a plan that will lead to the attention to be on paperwork and not on our youngsters. I am opposed to any coverage that creates obstacles in the conversation process in between personnel, mothers and fathers and pupils.”

Breeden was out of city and on holiday all through the Everyday Information-Record’s ask for for information and facts, but wrote: “Sorry I just can’t elaborate a great volume at this time, but I will say that I do not assistance what was proposed by Mr. Cross. I seem forward to giving more information and facts as situations unfold.”

McQuilkin reported: “At this time, I am waiting around for the benefits of the lawful overview of this proposed coverage. In the Introduction to the RCPS Faculty Board Coverage Guide it states, ‘School Board insurance policies and restrictions must be browse and interpreted in the light of the federal and Virginia statutes and restrictions.’ So right until we listen to from the authorized evaluate, I am withholding my feeling as to whether or not I help or not help this policy.”

Fulk did not submit a response by 5 p.m. Friday.

The next School Board assembly will be held on July 11 at 7 p.m. at the Rockingham County Administration Middle.