Committee recommends repeal of policy on relations with noncustodial parents (5142.1)

Kristina Moore introduced Policy 5142.1, which addresses relations with noncustodial parents, and said legal counsel recommended repeal because elements are covered elsewhere or depend on documentary evidence (court orders, parenting plans).

Dr. DaSilva explained that schools rely on actual court orders or parenting plans provided by courts, the Department of Children and Families, or guardians ad litem and that terms such as "custodial" and "noncustodial" can mean different things depending on the document. "We really just, in terms of policy specifically, hold on to what's legally required or ... other policies that the board or the committee may propose," she said, and pointed to Policy 5125 (records/FERPA) as covering many related issues.

Co‑chair John Paradiso and other committee members said the policy appears superfluous and may go beyond statutory requirements; the committee voted to forward a repeal recommendation for a first reading at the full board.

The repeal recommendation will be placed on the full board agenda for a first read on Sept. 28.