School board to stick with same Neola policy

The Wayland Board of Education Monday night elected to stay the course on a policy to prohibit school officials and staff from aiding students to get abortions without parental consent.

Superintendent Tim Reeves said a Republican-dominated state legislature in 2017 passed a law forbidding any school personnel to help with abortion services. however, the Democratic-dominated legislature in the past year insisted that law be rescinded.

The board voted to accept the Neola policy from seven years ago. Reeves noted, “It’s not current policy, it’s not past policy,” but leaving the prohibition in place will help the school district avoid any risk.

“Board Treasurer Pete Zondervan last week said in a discussion, “We don’t want to be involved in that conversation… It’s up to the students and their parents.”

Trustee Jeff Koon echoed, “We shouldn’t get involved in any medical decisions without the input of parents. That’s not in our lane.”

So the policy adopted by Neola, an education consulting company of school policies, was accepted, not rejected, and the prohibition remains.

In other business at its work session, the board:

• Fielded comments of praise from district parent Jenny Ward, who said the Career Connections Academy (CCA) did her son Nick a world of good after he struggled in a traditional classroom setting.
• Agreed to renew the contract of safety officer Jon Shafer for another year. Shafer’s pay is shared by the schools and the City of Wayland. Shafer saved the life of a referee last winter during an athletic contest.
• Further discussed a campaign on behalf on branding to promote school spirit and identification. A consulting firm of $15,000 may be hired.