Parent tells RSU 52 board he opted children out over explicit material, asks for clarification on opt-out protections

Jimmy Chiles, a resident who identified himself as a parent, told the RSU 52/MSAD 52 school board on Sept. 11 that although he supports teachers he had opted his son out of a district survey and was concerned the student nonetheless encountered explicit content.

Chiles said he supports schools and teachers but objected to “explicit material” and discussions of sexual relationships in school. He described having his child opt out of a survey about vaping and other topics, and said the child later “read off questions that were on that survey.” Chiles asked the board to clarify how the district protects students who are opted out and where responsibility lies if a child encounters material they were opted out of: “Does it fall on the teacher, the principal?”

The board chair read the district’s public-participation policy (BEDH) at the start of public comment and reminded speakers to identify themselves and limit remarks to three minutes. Board members and staff acknowledged Chiles’s concerns and invited him to follow up by email for further clarification on the opt-out process.

Chiles also asked about books left where students might encounter them and whether an incidental exposure by a peer or in a shared area would be covered by opt-out protections; the transcript shows he sought a clear policy on whether protections apply only when a student is prevented from checking out a book from the library.

The board did not adopt any policy changes during the meeting. Superintendent Carrie and other district staff directed Chiles to follow up with administration for clarification and offered to provide information about the district’s complaint and opt-out procedures outside the meeting.

The comments occurred during the public-comment portion of the Sept. 11 meeting and were recorded in the meeting minutes; no vote or formal board action resulted from Chiles’s remarks.