Obama Discussed at Troy School Board Meeting

Troy School Board of Education members heard concerns about the ability to allow students to opt out of watching the president's televised address from at least two parents during its Tuesday evening board meeting.

Parents speaking during the meeting's public comment session took issue with a letter sent to parents informing them of the option to have their children opt out of watching Barack Obama's presidential address. The parents stated the letter appeared to make the address a political issue.

Superintendent Barbara Fowler said at least one parent was provided an explanation in a letter from district spokeswoman Kerry Birmingham after raising concerns. Fowler, who read the letter during Tuesday's meeting, said the district disagrees with the assertion from some parents that president Obama has been treated differently as other presidents.

In fact, Fowler said, parents have always had the option to have their children opt out of watching the presidential address, and will continue to have that option.

In addition to public comments, the board discussed several items pertaining to curriculum, facilities and other school related issues, including the approval of improvements to the district's computer network infrastructure, a new teacher assessment model mandated for schools by the state, progress in professional development and potential legislation that could impact the district.

The board will hold its next meeting on Nov. 1.