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Parents and board debate sex-education advisory board process as district plans community survey
Summary
St. Johns Public Schools administrators outlined a two-year sex-education report and SEAB timeline while dozens of community members urged greater transparency, questioned membership disclosure and raised age-appropriateness concerns; the district will distribute a community survey that closes April 26.
St. Johns Public Schools presented a two-year sex-education report and timeline for its Sex Education Advisory Board (SEAB), prompting extended public comment on transparency and curriculum scope.
Assistant Superintendent Mike Winkel told the board the report and SEAB process align with Michigan Department of Education requirements and stressed that "no curriculum has been selected at this time," and that a community survey will seek input on grade-level appropriateness and required instructional components. Board President Boak reviewed the SEAB timeline and said the Board has had more than 10 opportunities to engage in the process.
During public comment, speakers repeatedly asked for more transparency about SEAB membership, survey distribution and meeting procedures. Carolyn Smith said committee member names and voting records should be public and asked whether the SEAB survey was distributed to all families. Theresa Owen said SEAB may be subject to the Open Meetings Act and urged the Board to review compliance. Other commenters, including Sandra Steffen and Jessica Graham, raised concerns about introducing content related to gender identity and emphasized that parents should be primary in addressing personal or belief-based topics.
District leaders said the SEAB is developing goals and objectives and will present materials and recommendations to the Board for required public hearings once work is complete. Dr. Winkel and Board members reiterated that parents will receive notification and opt-out options for material review. The district plans to close the community survey on April 26 and will present results at the April 27 Board Facility/Finance workshop.
What happens next: SEAB recommendations and any proposed curricular materials will be shared with the Board and proceed to required public hearings; the district will post survey results and continue to provide agendas and minutes to the public.
