Forest Hills Public Schools will open a 30-day public review this month of a K–4 body-safety curriculum the district described as evidence-based and aligned with Michigan health standards, with a formal board vote scheduled for the September meeting.

At the Aug. 11 board meeting, a curriculum presenter identified only as Mrs. Truffy said the program—referred to as the "Kids Have Rights" curriculum—focuses on body-safety rights, identifying safe adults, safe touch, and when and how to get help. She said the curriculum has been used informally in parts for years and that the district seeks a broad statement of approval to adopt the full, fidelity program.

"It aligns with Michigan health standards," Mrs. Truffy said at the meeting. The district said the program currently partners with 18 public districts in Kent County along with private and charter schools. Counselors in the district have been delivering portions of the material, the presenter said, and parents will have the option to opt their children out.

School officials said they will post the curriculum materials for a 30-day public review before the September board meeting, at which the board plans to vote on formal adoption. Board members discussed the policy language surrounding objections and religious exemptions, and one board member asked for tighter language to ensure religious objections cannot be denied; others said the existing policy requires principals and teachers to review objections and confers constitutional protections.

Public commenters addressed curriculum review and board policy changes that affect parents’ ability to appeal curricular materials. Several speakers urged the board to retain or restore stronger board-level review of curriculum appeals rather than delegating final review to district administrators.

The district said that, where objections are raised, administrative procedures will be developed (forms, guidelines and training) to ensure staff recognize constitutionally protected religious objections and follow the district’s guiding principles when responding to families.

The board also heard a separate 30-day review announcement for a district-wide purchase of Everyday Math classroom subscriptions for grades 1–5; that proposal will be considered as a business item in a separate discussion.