Board flags policy language requiring parent notification about some student counseling rights at age 12

Trustees reviewed the policy packet on Aug. 7 and discussed an aspect of student counseling policy (Policy 7:250). Administration said state law requires notification to students and parents that, in some circumstances, students age 12 and older can receive certain counseling services without parent notification for up to eight sessions.

Why it matters: Trustees said the district must be transparent about statutory rights and about how schools will document counseling visits and any subsequent notifications to parents. Several trustees asked staff to clarify whether counselors already ask students if they want parents notified, how sessions are tracked, and what the documentation process is if a student does not want parental notification.

What was discussed: Administration noted the law’s scope is topic‑driven and that staff will ensure the notification appears in student handbooks and policy updates. Trustees requested more detail on the operational documentation—how counselors will log visits and at what point parental notification will be triggered—before the policy returns for second reading.

Quotes and attributions: A board member asked, “Is that documented? I mean, how do you know that the student is opting out of notifying their parents?” Administration and counselors said counselors log visits and that state law requires notification when sessions exceed the statutory threshold; staff committed to provide a clear process description.

Next steps: The board moved the policy package so the counseling item can be an action item at the next regular meeting; administration will draft the notification language, determine where it will appear (policy, handbook, or both) and clarify counselors’ documentation procedures.

Ending: Trustees emphasized transparency and parental communication; staff will return at the next meeting with proposed language and operational documentation for counselor tracking.