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Board approves updated health curriculum maps and $26,857 purchase of health resources
Summary
The board approved four health curriculum maps covering grades 7'9 teen topics, maturity units, first-aid/CPR training, and related materials, and authorized $26,857.21 in textbook/digital licenses; staff noted a House bill effective 07/01/2025 requires a fetal development presentation with parental opt-out.
Shawnee Heights approved updated health curriculum maps for middle and early high school grades and authorized purchase of classroom resources totaling $26,857.21.
District staff presented four maps: seventh-grade health (a single quarter focused on body systems, hygiene, exercise and disease prevention), an eighth-grade elective "healthy lifestyles" (including workouts and cardiovascular content), and two "teen topics" maps for eighth and ninth grades covering social, mental and physical wellness, alcohol/tobacco/other-drugs (including fentanyl), digital citizenship, first aid and CPR/AED practice. The maps include maturity units by grade with parental opt-out options. Staff said counselors will provide direct instruction on suicide prevention and related safety referrals.
Staff also noted a House bill effective July 1, 2025, that requires inclusion of a fetal development presentation in courses addressing human growth or development; staff said selected videos will be shared with parents and an opt-out will be available. The board discussed whether materials would include connections to community resources and career pathways; staff said they would post materials and link resources for families.
On curriculum resources, staff requested two textbook/resource purchases: Savas materials for seventh grade (classroom sets) and teen topics materials with a six-year teacher digital license, listed as $11,000 and $15,800 respectively for a total of $26,857.21. Rosa Cavazos moved to approve the expenditures; the motion passed 6-0.
Board members asked detailed questions about coverage of suicide prevention (answered as delivered through counseling lessons), how to communicate choices to parents, and whether community partners or speakers could be used in ATOD prevention efforts. Staff said they would provide parent-facing information and coordinate counselors and teachers to help families make informed choices.
