Board approves 'Kids Have Rights' prevention curriculum after debate

The Forest Hills Board of Education voted to adopt the "Kids Have Rights" prevention curriculum for elementary students after a 30-day review and a period of debate among trustees.

Tryon, presenting the program, said the curriculum uses short videos and scaffolded lessons to teach children how to start a conversation with a trusted adult and to recognize unsafe situations. "This program really helps to teach kids how to start a conversation with a trusted adult, what words to use, what kind of response they can expect from that trusted adult," Tryon said, citing research that most perpetrators are known to the child and arguing early education can reduce risk.

A board member opposing the adoption argued sensitive conversations "belong in the home" and suggested optional family training instead; that member also said one video lacked sufficient context and could confuse children. Tryon and other trustees responded that the videos are part of a planned lesson sequence with accompanying materials and trained staff, and that parents may preview or opt children out.

The roll-call vote, taken by name, recorded seven yes votes and one no vote. The transcript records votes by board members identified in the roll call as: Dr. Michelle (yes); Miss Kamode (yes); Miss Desvore (no); Mr. Kaufali (yes); Mr. Chaim (yes); Dr. Kautzen (yes); and Mrs. Neimeyer (yes), plus one additional affirmative response recorded earlier in the roll call. The board provided no formal amendment to the program during the meeting; follow-up and preview materials were discussed for families.