Snake River trustees adopt ISBA policy updates, including parental permission for instruction on human sexuality

The Snake River School Board adopted multiple policy updates from the Idaho School Boards Association at its Aug. 20 meeting, including changes that require parental permission for instruction the legislature defines as "human sexuality."

The second-reading approvals included Policy 2320 (Health, Sex Education, and Human Sexuality) and related forms that implement requirements in recent legislation. The update reflects House Bill 239, which requires parental permission before a student receives instruction that falls under the legislative definition of human sexuality; it also implements related provisions tied to Senate Bill 1046 and House Bill 352 concerning fetal-development video requirements and age-appropriateness for instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. The minutes state the district will use a parental-permission process for sex-education and related instruction and provide notice requirements tied to the law.

The board also adopted updates to meeting procedures (Policy 1500P and 1500B) to reflect House Bill 172 and Senate Bill 1007 changes affecting consent-agenda eligibility and public-comment placement. Additional second-reading items adopted included policies on controversial issues, advanced opportunities, entrance/placement/transfer, open enrollment, student electronic devices, corrective actions and punishment, student fees, immunization requirements, and public-participation procedures. First readings were approved for volunteer assistance and public procurement policy updates reflecting Senate Bill 1118.

Board members voted unanimously to approve the second readings with discussed changes and the first readings as presented.