News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Matt Poli, Alpena Public Schools 6-12 curriculum director, speaks to the APS board of education on Monday.

ALPENA — The Alpena Public Schools Board of Education approved revisions to Policy 2418 Sex Education based on recommendations from Neola to comply with updated state guidelines at their regular meeting Monday night. The revisions were approved on second reading.

The revisions to the district’s sex education policy come after the State Board of Education voted to update the Michigan Health Education Standards Guidelines for the first time since 2007, according to a Nov. 13 press release from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

The standards provide guidance to local school districts and, as in previous versions, local control remains in place and parents retain the right to decide whether their children should participate in sex education instruction, the press release states.

Local boards of education determine the health curriculum for their districts, which may include sex education curriculum–if the district decides to offer sex ed– that has been reviewed by local sex education advisory boards that must include 50% parent representation.

In its revision of the sex education policy, the APS board could approve one of two options. They approved option one.

Option one provides a streamlined authorization that incorporates the full curriculum development process through the advisory board without specifying particular subject areas in the policy itself, a drafting note for the revised policy states.

Option two provides a broader authorization and details the range of topics that may be included in instruction, such as family planning, human sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health, consent education, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, as allowable under the Michigan Health Education Standard Guidelines and the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Option two does not require the district to include every item listed; rather, the list is illustrative of topics that the advisory board may recommend, and the board may adopt as part of the sex education curriculum.

Regardless of which option is selected, all remaining provisions of the policy apply, including the abstinence emphasis requirement, parental notification and opt-out rights, advisory board composition and process requirements, and compliance with all applicable Michigan statutes.

Selection of the option that best reflects the Board’s philosophy, the District’s community values, and the scope of sex education instruction the Board wishes to authorize is recommended.

In relation to that, Policy 2417 Comprehensive School Health Education will also be revised.

“So the comprehensive health is just aligning again with the changes in the law,” Superintendent Dave Rabbideau said at the May 11 board workshop meeting. “We have this policy so these are just revisions to it. The purpose of the policy is to help students become health literate and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy choices and avoid damaging behavior.”

He said the updates are being done to implement a medically accurate and developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Rabbideau said that Alpena’s sex advisory board will be presenting to the board of education in June.

The revisions to the sex education policy includes changing language from sexually transmitted disease to sexually transmitted infection. It also includes a change in how abstinence is described.

The former description read, “The instruction described in this policy shall stress that abstinence from sex is a responsible and effective method of preventing unplanned or out of wedlock pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and is a positive lifestyle for unmarried young people.”

The new description reads, “The instruction described in this policy shall emphasize that abstinence from sex is the only protection that is 100% effective against unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV. Instruction shall also articulate the benefits of abstinence, postponing sexual activity, and setting personal limits based on individual beliefs and values.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS

*The board voted to authorize the superintendent to fill out necessary documentation pending snow day forgiveness legislation that has been passed in the Michigan House of Representatives. If the legislation is signed by the Governor, Rabbideau will be able to fill out the necessary documents to receive snow day forgiveness with the board having approved the forgiveness ahead of time. If the legislation is signed, the last day of school will be June 15.

*Sanborn Elementary fifth graders talked about what they love about Sanborn for Sanborn’s good news presentation to the board.

*The board voted to adopt the Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District general fund budget resolution.

*The board approved the purchase of custodial supplies, consumable supplies, and copy paper.

*The board passed a motion to purchase University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) supplies for three years for $160,370.

*The board passed a motion to approve the creation of a financial account for the journalism club.

*The board approved the recognition and resolution of 25 retirees with a combined total of 552 years of service retiring.