CHECKOUT: Parents' rights must prevail

I went to Coeur d'Alene High School to check my son out of class early Wednesday, the reason does not matter. I was told by Mike Nelson, vice principal, that I cannot check my son out early. "They" are not permitting parents to check students out of class "early" during finals.

I walked out, got mad, turned around and went back in.

Nelson was gone by the time I returned to his office but the principal, Randy Russell, was there. I told him I was getting my son and there is nothing they can do about it. They do not have the power to override my rights as a parent to take my child out of class and I want him NOW. I left with Ben three minutes later. I've had enough of the gestapo administrations at our schools. Mike Nelson needs to be put in his place.

I suspect I will be filing a formal complaint with the School District about Mike Nelson exceeding his authority and attempting to prevent me from exercising my rights as a parent.

ERIK NEMECK

Hayden

Editor’s note: The Press contacted both Mr. Nemeck and Principal Randy Russell for further explanation. Nemeck picked his son up from school early because his older son was home for a visit after spending the past 10 months in Afghanistan serving in the 82nd Airborne, and they wanted to spend family time together. Mr. Nemeck did not tell Mike Nelson why he wanted his son out early. Mr. Nemeck told The Press, "The bottom line is my reason does not matter. I'm a parent, and I have my rights."

Here’s the response given by Mr. Russell: “This is a huge misunderstanding. During final exams, students are expected to stay in the final exam session during its entirety due to their importance, that we don’t want final exams disrupted, and to ensure test security. Parents are always allowed to check their students out once the final exam session has been completed. After I was able to talk with Mr. Nemeck, and understanding his circumstances, his son was checked out immediately. I hope this clears up any misunderstanding.”