NCSD Trustees Challenge Impact of New Parental Rights Policy
TL/DR –
The Natrona County School District Board of Trustees in Wyoming has passed a parental rights law that required every school district to create a similar policy. The policy, which is a result of the Joint Education Interim Committee’s Senate File 9, mandates guardian notices related to the educational, mental, and emotional health of students and will come into effect on July 1. However, the law has drawn criticism for its vagueness, the fast-tracking of policies in local districts, potential impact on teachers, and possible violations of students’ rights.
Natrona County School District Complies with New Parental Rights Law
The Natrona County School District Board of Trustees in Casper, Wyo., was compelled to create a policy in response to the recent parental rights law passed by the 2024 Legislature. The law affects mostly educators, requiring all school districts to have a similar policy. The board attempted a balanced approach during their meeting at the district’s Central Services Facility.
Public responses were mixed. Board Chairman Kevin Christopherson criticized the Legislature, stating, “This is ridiculous. You can’t pass a law that’s this vague and doesn’t even have the purpose that they wrote the law anywhere in it.”
The policy was created in response to the Senate File 9 from the Joint Education Interim Committee and will become Wyoming Statute 21-3-135, effective July 1. The statute concerns parental and guardian notices related to student welfare and school district prohibitions.
Trustee Kyla Alvey presented the final draft of the policy, noting that many elements were already existing within other school policies. She encouraged patience with teachers as they adapted to the new policy. An accompanying seven-page document outlines parental rights in relation to student records and notifications.
State Rep. Jeanette Ward, who participated in the statute’s development, highlighted an incident where a student was encouraged to socially transition without parental consent. She expressed disappointment that the new policy’s language might allow a similar situation to arise.
Meanwhile, Dirk Andrews, president of the Natrona County Education Association, expressed disappointment in the Legislature’s decision to pass the law without educators’ input. He emphasized the additional workload for teachers and the potential violation of student rights.
As the policy moves towards implementation, educators anticipate needing training to handle the changes effectively. Parents express hope that the policy will improve transparency in schools. Despite some opposition, the policy will become law on July 1.
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