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Board holds first reading of sex-education/gender-identity policy; district will use opt-in handouts
Summary
The policy committee presented 'Option 1' for classroom materials covering sex education and gender identity, which uses handouts and parental notification with an opt-in process; the board received the first reading and will review a second reading later.
The Fort Benton School Board received a first reading of a policy (reported as 'Option 1') that covers sexual-health education and gender-identity material. Committee members said the approach uses handouts rather than classroom instruction for gender-identity content, includes parental notification, and requires parental opt-in for participation.
A committee member explained the policy choice and noted that materials (slides and worksheets) will be made available at the district office for parental review. Board members asked where handouts would come from and who would teach the material; staff said the biology class would be the likely setting for the material because of age appropriateness and scheduling.
The chair clarified the parental process, stating, "It's an opt in, not a opt out situation," and the committee confirmed that a written policy and handouts will be circulated before the second reading. No formal vote was taken: the item was handled as a first reading with further review expected at the next board meeting.
