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Hardyston board adopts resolution to notify parents of potential LGBTQ-themed lessons and formalize opt-out process
Summary
The Hardyston Township Board of Education approved Resolution 2025-01 to notify parents at least one week before lessons that include LGBTQ-themed content and to provide a web form for written opt-outs; the superintendent said the district currently has no such curriculum but will prepare templates and alternative assignments.
The Hardyston Township Board of Education voted Sept. 9 to adopt Resolution 2025-01, establishing a district notice and standardized opt-out form for lessons or curricular materials that include LGBTQ-themed content.
Board members said the measure is intended to implement parental rights affirmed in a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and to give families a predictable way to request alternative assignments. "The district shall notify parents and guardians at least one week in advance of lessons or curriculum materials in subjects such as English language arts, social studies, math, or health that include LGBTQ-themed content," the resolution states, and it directs the superintendent to develop notification templates, opt-out forms, and alternative lesson plans.
Superintendent Dr. Ryder told the board the district currently does not offer LGBTQ-specific curriculum in the affected subject areas and has not received opt-out requests in recent years. "This is relatively new legal ground and schools across the country have to assess what that means in practice," Dr. Ryder said, adding that the resolution is a preparatory step to ensure the district can respond if such lessons are introduced.
Several trustees asked why the resolution was placed on the full-board agenda on short notice instead of being vetted longer in the curriculum committee. One trustee said the district has long-held opt-out procedures for certain health lessons, and urged clearer policy language and committee coordination before second readings. Board members agreed to have the curriculum committee and superintendent finalize templates and guidance for staff and parents.
The board approved the resolution by roll call; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from the members present.
The resolution is advisory in form (a district notification and implementation directive to the superintendent) and trustees said the curriculum and formal policy revisions tied to 17a/17b will return for a later action during the second reading. The superintendent was directed to prepare the templates and share them with the curriculum committee for review.
