Board tables 'smart' curriculum after members and parents request more review and clarity on opt-out process

The Scott County School District 2 board tabled consideration of a curriculum described to the board as following state-mandated presentation standards, after members and a parent raised questions about parental review, opt-out procedures and grade-level grouping.

Staff member (S4) told the board the presenters and curriculum materials comply with state code and that if the district adopts the curriculum it must meet state-specified presentation requirements. "The state dictates how the lesson is built," S4 said. S4 also explained the vendor's recommendations: fourth- and fifth-grade presentations can be separated by gender while sixth grade is typically presented together, but staff said there is some flexibility.

A parent/public commenter (S6) said they had reviewed the materials and asked the board to give parents a meaningful chance to view content before students participate. "I almost think it might be better ... for a parent to actually sign off ... instead of doing a blanket and assuming everyone has read their notifications and opting out," S6 said. Board members asked whether parents can request that a child not watch and whether notifications provide access to the full curriculum for review; staff responded that notifications and board policy provide that access and pledged to recheck the exact wording of state law regarding opt-out procedures.

After discussion, Chair (S1) accepted a motion to table the item until the next meeting so board members can review materials in full; the motion carried by general assent. No adoption or formal policy change occurred at the meeting.

The board asked staff to confirm the precise state requirements for notification and opt-out and to provide full curriculum access to parents and board members before the next vote.