[New] Scope of parental notification policy to be debated

POWHATAN – The handling of controversial topics in classrooms and notifying parents when it is going to happen was a significant focus for the Powhatan County School Board recently that will carry into the new year.

While not a new topic, the drive that brought this issue to the forefront now was Senate Bill 656, which requires all school divisions to develop a policy ensuring parental no- tification of any instructional material that includes “sexually explicit content.” The deadline for school boards to adopt policies is no later than Jan. 1, 2023.

The policy is supposed to include information, guidance, procedures and standards relating to ensuring parental notification; directly identifying the specific instructional material and sexually explicit subjects; permitting the parent of any student to review

Thomas W. Barden Sr. BARDEN, Thomas W. Sr., 69, formerly of Chesterfield, passed away december 16, 2022. he was preceded in death by his son, thomas w. Barden Jr.; and father, Maurice P. Barden Jr. he is survived by his special friend, Sandy Cline; mother, Barbara F. Barden; siblings, Lawrence Barden (Barbara), david Barden (Karen), Kenneth Barden (wanda) and Vickie Maxey (Johnny); and former wife, donna Gale Barden. the family received friends Sunday, december 18, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Bennett & Barden Funeral home, where services were held Monday, december 19, 2022, at 11 a.m. Interment Graceland Baptist Church Cemetery. online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh.com.

Susan B. Effinger

EFFINGER, Susan B., 66, of Chesterfield, went to be with the Lord Saturday, december 10, 2022. She is survived by her husband, Ralph w. Ef finger; sons, John w Effinger, daniel w. Effinger (Candice); granddaughter, odessa J. hill; sister, Karen hall (Bobby). Susan enjoyed her family gatherings, reading, knitting and crocheting, decorating, being outdoors and her cats. She was most proud of her top two accomplishments, helping to raise two young men and her career in the health care profession, helping people in their time of need. a memorial service was held 1 p.m. tuesday, december 13, 2022, at Bennett and Barden Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to your local SPCa online condolences can be made at bennettbardenfh.com.