It has come to the Board’s attention that there has been a lot of social media discussion surrounding House Bill 8 which was recently signed into law by Governor DeWine. Prior to this law, schools were permitted to release children from school for religious education. This law now requires schools to release students for religious education if certain conditions are met. The school has no part in deciding which programs families can choose to enroll students in, and we are required to work with any sponsoring entities to identify a time during the school day during which students may be released.
As a board, we work to stay informed as to what is required of us as a district by law, and ensure that Board Policies reflect our obligations as a public institution to abide by state law.
Key points:
- Schools are required to collaborate with the sponsoring entity only insofar as to identify a time in the school day for students to be released.
- Districts are prohibited from transporting students to and from the program or using school funds to provide religious instruction, and religious instruction cannot occur on school property.
- No student may be released from a core curriculum subject course to attend a religious instruction course. According to our Board policy, “core instruction” includes any graded course or course that appears on a student’s report card.
- Our Board will require any sponsoring entity to ensure any instructors or volunteers providing a released time course in religious instruction have submitted to a criminal background check of the district’s choosing. These individuals must meet the same criminal background check criteria as District employees.
The effective date of House Bill 8 is April 9, 2025.
The board welcomes calls, emails and discussion whenever concerns arise. The best way to communicate concerns, or ask questions is to contact the school administration or board members directly.
Contact ALL Board Members with one email at: perryboard@perry-lake.org.
The board operates in full transparency to the public, and as such, all Board Members’ contact information as well dates and times of board meetings, agendas, meeting minutes and videos, as well as a complete directory of board policies can be found here: Board of Education | Board of Education The full text of House Bill 8 as signed by the governor can be found here: House Bill 8 | 135th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature
