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Blackstone-Millville approves revised health curriculum after extended debate; vote 5-2
Summary
The committee approved an amended health curriculum (5-2) that moves gender-identity material from lower grades to grade 8, removes organizational logos/references, and replaces several videos; the district emphasized opt-in/opt-out letters and alternative lessons for families.
The Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee voted 5–2 on March 20 to approve a revised health curriculum that restructures grade-level placement of certain standards and removes references to external organizations.
Mary Colino, presenting the revision, said the district had worked with parents and stakeholder groups and that many contested items were moved rather than deleted. "The gender identity content is in grade eight; we moved it out of grade two and grade five," she said, adding that the district obtained written confirmation from the state health office (DESE health and PHE office) that the reorganization is acceptable for audit purposes.
The board discussion emphasized transparency for families: references and logos (including those for Advocates for Youth and Planned Parenthood) were removed and most videos were replaced. Administrators said parent opt-in/opt-out letters and alternative lessons would be provided. A motion to approve the amended curriculum was moved by a committee member and seconded; the vote passed 5 in favor and 2 opposed.
Supporters called the revised framework a result of an extensive local process that balanced differing views. Opponents said the presence or prior association with certain organizations remained a concern despite the edits. Administrators said high-school students who had missed instruction would receive the material in subsequent semester schedules and that no students would be denied required instruction overall because the standards are retained in the district's spiraled curriculum.
The committee's action makes the revised curriculum the district standard; administrators said they will follow up with family communication, opt-in materials and remaining implementation details.
