Caledonia Community Schools
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Published – May 31, 2024
During the May 20, 2024, board meeting for Caledonia Community Schools, one board member suggested that district employees should have the authority to refer students for abortions.
According to The Midwesterner, “Caledonia Community Schools Treasurer Jason Saidoo argued … that rescinding an existing policy that currently prohibits district employees, board members, and administrators from referring students for abortions is the best move.”
The source continued, “The remarks came in response to a suggestion from Board Trustee Tim Morris, who argued in favor of ‘option 2’ to retain the language of the current policy that ensures parents decide on abortion discussions with their children.”
For context, policy language options were initially discussed during the April 15 board meeting.
At the May 20 meeting, board members were in the process of discussing the second read and adoption of policies “2410 – Prohibition of Referral or Assistance,” “2412 – Reproductive Health and Family Planning,” and “2418 – Sex Education.” Morris led by stating:
“I would prefer option two, the district-edited version that simplifies the policy, I believe, and takes the politics out of it. And I think it would be in the better interest of the district.”
Board member Jason Saidoo said:
“I think option one, rescinding the policy, takes the politics out of it and leaves the interest of our students into the hands of our teachers that can make the best decision for them at that time.”
Board Member John Brandow chimed in:
“I love our teachers, but this is a parent thing. That’s not [an] option for teachers. So, I agree with [Morris].”
The Midwesterner concluded, “Saidoo’s comments suggesting teachers ‘can make the best decisions for’ students infuriated parents and others online, who are now campaigning to vote him out of office.”
Ultimately, the board voted 5-1 to table this policy discussion for a future discussion.
The School Board Watchlist will continue monitoring issues in Caledonia Community Schools. Please send tips, updates, and information to [email protected].
_____________________
Caledonia Community Schools has 4,613 students enrolled in Pre-K through 12 across nine schools.
