Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires parental consent for a student to participate in a school club.

Highlights:

• Establishes the following powers and duties for the board of trustees of each school district (Sec. 1-33-512):

• School assemblies, testing, and other instructional-related activities involving students directly may be included in the required instructional hours;

• Student and staff activities related to the opening and closing of the school year, grade reporting, program planning, staff meetings, and other classroom and building management activities shall not be counted as instructional time or in the reductions; and

• The state superintendent of public instruction may grant an exemption from the provisions of this section for an individual building within a district, when the closure of that building, for unforeseen circumstances, does not affect the attendance of other buildings within the district.

• Establishes it is the prerogative of the school board to (Sec. 1-2):

• To adopt and carry on and to provide for the financing of a total educational program for the district. Such programs in other than elementary school districts may include education programs for out-of-school youth and adults, and such districts may provide classes in kindergarten;

• To provide, or require pupils to be provided with, suitable textbooks and supplies, and, for advice on textbook selections, may appoint a curricular materials adoption committee;

• To protect the morals and health of the pupils;

• To exclude children, not of school age from school;

• Requires the board to do the following to adopt policies and procedures for approving school clubs and organizations, for notifying parents or legal guardians of students regarding school clubs and organizations in which a student may participate, and for obtaining permission from a parent or legal guardian before the student joins or participates in a school club or organization. In adopting such policies and procedures (Sec. 1-18):

• Require that all school clubs and organizations be approved by the board;

• Provide annual notification, using the student handbook or other appropriate method, of the name of all school clubs and organizations, the mission or purpose of the club or organization, the name of the club or organization's faculty adviser, and a description of the club or organization's past and planned activities. Similar notification will also be provided for clubs and organizations created or started during the school year; and

• Prepare a form by which parents or legal guardians may give or withhold permission for the student to participate in a school club or organization. Such form will be completed and signed by the parent or legal guardian and returned to the faculty adviser of the appropriate school club or organization. A student may not join a club or an organization without permission from the student's parent or legal guardian.

Full Bill Text