The Conejo Valley Unified School District Board of Education is likely to delete a policy that was approved last year which states that the district may allow high school students to leave school for medical reasons without the notification of a parent because of confidentiality.

District high schools, as a practice, don’t release students without parent notification. Janet Cosaro, assistant superintendent, instructional services, confirmed that in the last two years there have been no exceptions.

Board Policy 5141.6, which was adopted in August 2008 as part of a larger series of policies, addresses the offering of physical and mental health services to students. It also maintains that the district allows off-campus trips for these services.

In September 2009, board member Michael Dunn requested that the district add wording that’s included in the district’s Annual Notice of Rights and Responsibilities that states the district doesn’t release students without parental consent.

After discussing it at last week’s board meeting, it appears likely that the board will strike the policy altogether.

“These were globally adopted, but after taking a look at it more in depth, questions kept coming up,” Cosaro said. “Looking at it further, my feeling is that since it is optional, we not adopt this part of the policy.”

Two speakers praised the board’s response, which was largely in favor of dropping the policy.

“I wanted to affirm your decision,” said John Andersen. “As you may know, this is a passionate and important issue to people, not only in this district, but statewide.”

The board will vote to strike the recently adopted policy at its Dec. 1 meeting.

––Joann Groff