Superintendent William Seder Jr. reaffirmed Mount Vernon City School District's commitment to upholding policies that acknowledge parents' rights, following the July 1 implementation of House Bill 8, which was enacted early this year.
"On January 8, 2025, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 8 into law, requiring all Boards of Education in Ohio to adopt a formal Parents’ Bill of Rights policy by July 1, 2025," Seder stated. "Mount Vernon City Schools has long recognized and supported these rights. In fact, the provisions of H.B. 8 are already reflected in our district’s Parent's Bill of Rights, which has been in place for many years."
He added that the Board of Education recognizes and supports parental rights in making decisions about their child's learning, personal growth, and well-being. Seder emphasized that the school district fosters parental engagement and ensures that families are informed about their child's educational experience.
MVCSD's Parents' Bill of Rights (Policy PO5780.01) includes key guidelines for sexuality-related instruction, student services and health, and parental access to educational materials and technology contracts.
The policy specified that instruction involving sexuality content is carefully regulated to be age-appropriate and developmentally suitable. No such content is provided in grades K-3. The district ensures that parents will be promptly notified of any significant changes in their child's services. School personnel are prohibited from encouraging students to withhold health-related information from their families. Parental consent is required for most health services, with exceptions for emergencies and services outlined in IEPs or Section 504 Plans.
The policy also reinforces parents’ rights to inspect instructional materials and file formal concerns. These concerns are first addressed at the school level, with the option to escalate to the Superintendent and Board of Education if needed. Additionally, parents may review technology provider contracts and retain all protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Parents who have questions about Policy PO5780.01 or their rights are advised to contact their building principal or the Superintendent’s Office.
