Board Policy 5780.01 - Parents' Bill of Rights
Parents' Bill of Rights (FAQs)
Parent Rights and Notification Policy
In accordance with Ohio House Bill 8 and ORC § 3313.60; § 3319.321 Canal Winchester Schools recognizes and respects the vital role parents and guardians play in their children's education.
In accordance with Ohio law (HB 8), the following policies are in place to ensure transparency, communication, and parental involvement:
Parent Notification
Parents/guardians will be notified in a timely manner of:
- Any significant changes to their child’s physical or mental health or well-being that are observed or documented by school staff.
- Any request or expression by the student to be identified or referred to in a manner that differs from the sex listed on their birth certificate.
- These notifications will be handled respectfully and confidentially, with the goal of supporting student well-being in partnership with families.
Parent Rights Reminder
Parents and guardians have the right to:
- Receive timely notice if a student requests accommodations for gender identity
- Opt out of instructional content related to human sexuality or gender identity
- Review instructional materials and curriculum upon request
- These rights do not exempt students from attendance unless proper procedures are followed
Partnership with Families
Our school is committed to open communication and collaboration with families. We encourage parents and guardians to contact school staff at any time with questions or concerns about their child’s education or well-being.
Instructional Content
Parents/guardians will receive advance notice and may choose to opt their child out of any instruction, class, or program that includes content related to: Sexuality, Sexual orientation and/or Gender identity.
Alternative academic content will be provided to ensure continued learning without penalty.
Release for Religious Instruction
In accordance with ORC § 3313.6022, Canal Winchester Schools permits students to be released from school for up to one hour per week to participate in religious instruction, provided the following conditions are met:
- A parent or guardian submits a written request in advance
- The instruction occurs off school property and uses no public funds
- The student assumes full responsibility for making up missed work
Release time may be scheduled only during non-core academic periods and is subject to administrative approval. The school reserves the right to determine when release time can be scheduled based on the student’s academic needs, supervision, and scheduling constraints
Access to Records and Information
Parents/guardians have the right to:
- Review their child’s educational and health records
- Request copies of instructional materials used in their child’s classes
- Be informed of any third-party surveys or assessments requiring parental consent.
