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Board adopts SHAC‑recommended 'Choosing the Best' sex‑education curriculum on three‑year cycle
Summary
The school health advisory committee recommended the abstinence‑based 'Choosing the Best' curriculum; the board approved a three‑year adoption that is opt‑in for parents and covers TEKS and dating‑violence prevention requirements.
The Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees voted to adopt the 'Choosing the Best' human sexuality curriculum for a three‑year cycle beginning the 2025‑26 school year, following a presentation by the district’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC).
Sam Russo presented the SHAC annual report and described the committee’s review. District staff and SHAC members said the recommended curriculum is abstinence‑based, medically accurate, aligned to state TEKS and covers dating‑violence prevention provisions required by state law (presenters referenced Senate Bill 9 in the discussion of required content). SHAC noted the new program provides 6 forty‑five‑minute sessions for middle and high school (two more sessions for middle school than the prior curriculum) and includes an electronic workbook and optional take‑home interviews to foster parent engagement.
Board members confirmed parents retain the right to opt in: district staff said the program is implemented on an opt‑in basis (students participate only if parents/guardians provide permission). The board approved the SHAC recommendation by voice vote. Trustee Wesley Neighbors made the motion; Trustee Katie Hargrove seconded it.
Why it matters: Health and sex‑education curricula are subject to state standards and local board adoption. The chosen program carries content required by state law and includes additional parent engagement features; the opt‑in approach affects participation rates and communication needs.
Discussion and next steps: Staff and SHAC recommended separating middle‑school lessons by gender for discussion comfort, and noted administrators will implement scheduling. Trustees approved the three‑year adoption; administration will finalize implementation plans and parent notification materials ahead of the 2025‑26 school year.
Vote at a glance: Adoption of 'Choosing the Best' (three‑year term) — motion by Wesley Neighbors, second by Katie Hargrove; outcome: approved.
