New school board policies to know

Objecting to books, advanced placement requirements, and another zero-tolerance offense — here’s what’s new in Hamilton County School Board policy.

By William Newlin

The Hamilton County School Board Policy Committee meets on Aug. 10 to discuss district-wide policy changes in line with state laws and rules.

The Hamilton County School Board will vote on several policies needed to bring the district in compliance with new state laws and rules at its Aug. 17th meeting. Here are a few key changes.

Instructional materials

To conform to a new state law, the board will vote to allow employees and students to challenge instructional materials taught in local schools. Previously, only parents could bring up curriculum-related concerns. The policy also outlines the review process for challenged materials, which can be found in the link above.

County taxpayers unaffiliated with the school system don’t have the right to challenge materials but may still contact their board members with concerns.

“If you're not a parent, or a student, or a guardian, or a school employee, you don't really have any standing to complain about what's in the book, what's in our library or our curriculum, as (the policy) currently reads,” said school board attorney Scott Bennett at the Aug. 10 meeting.

Advanced courses requirements

A new board policy will define the minimum academic achievement students must earn to join advanced courses, such as dual-enrollment and advanced placement (AP) courses.

The requirements are based on a student’s letter grade or TCAP performance in the courses immediately preceding the advanced class. The school district must notify parents when their child is eligible for advanced study.

Additional zero-tolerance offense

Per a new state law, a student who threatens mass violence on school property or at a school event must face at least one year of expulsion. The school board will add that offense to its zero-tolerance policy, which the superintendent has the discretion to enforce on a case-by-case basis.

Extracurricular approval

An amended policy in line with state rules will require a parent’s written consent for students under age 18 to participate in any extracurricular activity, including clubs and sports.