Peninsula School District: PSD Board Adopts Resolutions

Gig Harbor WA

06 August, 2021

1:40 PM

Description

Press release from the Peninsula School District: August 4, 2021 At the business meeting on Thursday, July 22, 2021, the Peninsula School District (PSD) Board of Directors adopted two separate resolutions regarding comprehensive sexual education curriculum and state-mandated training for staff and board directors concerning equity, cultural competency, and dismantling institutional racism in the public school system. As a public school district, PSD follows state and federal laws. Two recent bills passed by Washington State have generated interest from staff and the public, and the board passed two resolutions in response to the bills and to clarify the district's position. The role of the school board is to set policy and direction for the district. Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) Curriculum Read the Bill Here: Senate Bill 5395 This new bill requires social emotional learning for grades K-3, including learning skills to cope with feelings, set goals, and get along with others. There is no sexuality content required and we will continue to use our current sexual health adopted curriculum. Read the Resolution Here: Resolution No. 21-27 Regarding Local Control of CSE Curriculum This resolution was adopted to share the district's response to Senate Bill 5395. Here are some important things to know: The district will notify parents prior to any instruction taking place regarding comprehensive sexual health education and provide the opportunity for parents to inspect such curriculum;Pursuant to applicable state law, the district shall annually provide the office of the superintendent of public instruction any curricula used by the school to provide comprehensive sexual health education and describe how it aligns with the state requirements;Because Peninsula School District currently meets all state requirements, the district will continue with its current curriculum; andParents may choose to excuse their student(s) from participating in instruction relating to comprehensive sexual health education by submitting a written request. State-Mandated Training for Staff and Board Directors Read the Bill Here: Senate Bill 5044 The Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5044 in 2021, which requires all school staff and school directors to participate in professional learning concerning equity, cultural competency, and dismantling institutional racism in the public school system. Read the Resolution Here: Resolution No. 21-28 Regarding State-Mandated Training for Staff and Board Directors Here are some important things to know: Senate Bill 5044 does not contain requirements relating to instruction for students, nor does it define or mention Critical Race Theory. Therefore, it is not under the board's purview to evaluate or enact policies based on the term;The district has been devoted to fostering an environment that is inclusive and continuously works to model and create an environment free of discrimination;All students, teachers and support staff are equal as individuals and no one race, gender, ethnicity or religion is superior or inferior as it relates to another, and no student, teacher or support staff member should be taught that they are an oppressor or victim based on their race; Pursuant to Board Policy 3210, any form of discrimination with regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability is strictly prohibited; All training and instructional materials used to train staff pursuant to Senate Bill 5044 will be consistent with all applicable requirements of the law and will reinforce the district's declarations in Board Policy 3210; andThere will be no additional or modified student curriculum, including Critical Race Theory, or instruction in response to Senate Bill 5044, as it does not mention or require additional instruction for students. The district will continue to teach a complete and accurate history that is inclusive and without bias. This press release was produced by the Peninsula School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.