At Orrville City Schools, we value the fundamental role parents play in the upbringing, education, and care of their children. In alignment with House Bill (HB) 8 and Ohio Revised Code (RC) 3313.473, effective April 9, 2025, we are proud to introduce our Parents’ Bill of Rights policy. This policy, which will be fully adopted by July 1, 2025, reinforces parental involvement and ensures transparency in our schools. Below, we outline the key components of this policy and how we are committed to upholding your rights as a parent.

Our Commitment to Parental Rights

The Ohio General Assembly recognizes parental rights as a fundamental right to make decisions about your child’s education, health, and well-being. At Orrville City Schools, we are dedicated to fostering a partnership with parents by providing clear communication, access to information, and opportunities for involvement. Our policy includes the following provisions:

1. Instructional Content Standards

   • No instruction involving sexuality content will be provided to students in grades K-3.

   • For students in grades 3-12, any sexuality content will be age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate, tailored to the individual student’s needs.

   • Parents will have the opportunity to review instructional materials related to sexuality content in advance and may opt their child out of such instruction. Students opting out will participate in an alternative assignment.

2. Notification of Changes in Student Services

   • We will promptly notify parents of significant changes in services or monitoring related to a student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, or changes impacting a safe and supportive learning environment.

   • Notifications will reinforce your right to make decisions for your child and ensure access to your child’s education and health records maintained by the district.

3. Transparency and Communication

   • District personnel are prohibited from encouraging students to withhold information from parents about their mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being.

   • We will not discourage or prohibit parental notification or involvement in decisions affecting your child’s health or well-being.

4. Health Care Services

   • Parental authorization is required before providing any physical, mental, or behavioral health care services to a student.

   • At the start of each school year, we will provide an annual notice allowing parents to choose whether to authorize these services for their child.

   • Exceptions apply in emergencies, for first aid, minor unanticipated health care services, or services outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.

5. Addressing Parental Concerns

   • Parents may file a written concern with a school principal or assistant principal regarding topics covered in this policy.

   • We will resolve concerns within 30 days and offer an appeal process: first to the Superintendent or designee, and then to the Board of Education if needed.

   • Parents are always welcome to contact a Board member directly about district operations.

Exceptions to the Policy

Our policy complies with legal exceptions outlined in RC 3313.473(F), including:

• No disclosure is required if it conflicts with a court order, criminal investigation, or specific state and federal laws (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA, or Ohio’s child abuse reporting laws).

• Mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect remains in effect.

• Career and academic counseling between teachers and students during the school day is unaffected.

Access to Emergency Medical Authorization**

Each year before October 1, we provide parents with Ohio’s emergency medical authorization form (RC 3313.712) to ensure we have up-to-date information in case of emergencies.

Policy Availability

This Parents’ Bill of Rights policy will be prominently posted on our website and made publicly available upon adoption by July 1, 2025. We are working diligently to ensure all administrative processes align with these requirements.

Questions or Feedback?

We invite parents to partner with us as we implement this policy. For questions or to discuss your child’s needs, please contact:

• Phone: (330) 682-5811, ext. 6002

• Email: orvl_jrubino@tccsa.net

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

At Orrville City Schools, we are committed to supporting your child’s success while honoring your rights as a parent. Together, we can create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for every student.