Forest Hills board approves "Kids Have Rights" prevention curriculum after 30-day review

The Forest Hills Board of Education voted 6–1 on Sept. 8 to approve the Kids Have Rights curriculum for elementary students after a 30-day review and presentations from district curriculum staff.

The curriculum, presented during the board's curriculum report, includes short videos and accompanying lesson materials for kindergarten through fourth grade. Board members were told the full K–4 package totals about 4½ hours of content (kindergarten: about 30 minutes total during the year; fourth grade: about 60 minutes), and that parents may preview materials and opt students out.

Curriculum presenter Cheyenne said the program is intended as a prevention and empowerment curriculum, telling the board: "This program really helps to teach kids how to start a conversation with a trusted adult, what words to use, what kind of response they can expect from that trusted adult." She described the lessons as "intentional, well thought out, scaffolded" and said videos are accompanied by classroom materials and trained staff to deliver the lessons.

Board discussion included objections from one member who said she supports protecting children but believes "the sensitive conversations about safe and unsafe touches . . . really belong in the home" and expressed concern that one video showing a grandparent and a child lacked context and could confuse students. Other board members and the presenter responded that the videos are one part of a lesson sequence and that multiple, repeated messages at home and at school help children feel empowered to report unsafe situations.

Cheyenne and other presenters noted district leaders reviewed the program's research and materials. The board heard several contextual statistics during the discussion: presenters said more than 70 percent of perpetrators of child sexual abuse are known to the child (family members, friends or other trusted adults) and that many incidents occur before age 12. The presenter said research indicates teaching children to talk to a trusted adult can substantially reduce the likelihood of continued abuse.

Roll-call voting recorded in the meeting transcript shows six board members voting in favor and one voting no. The transcript roll call was recorded as: Doctor Michelle — yes; Miss Camard — yes; Miss DeBarge — no; Mister Cauley — yes; Mister Chaim — yes; Doctor Paulson — yes; Miss Neimeyer — yes.

The board approved the curriculum for use with the stated opt-out and preview options. The board also directed that parents be informed about the lessons and how to preview materials.

The district will implement the lessons with district counselors and with access to outside social-work staff affiliated with the Kids Have Rights program, and board members said follow-up communication to families will explain opt-out procedures and preview availability.

Votes at a glance: Kids Have Rights curriculum — approved, roll-call 6–1.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote; the district's curriculum staff said they will provide follow-up communications and materials to parents and principals to ensure consistent implementation across schools.