Board approves earlier puberty education for girls after SHAC recommendation; parents retain opt‑out

The board on Monday approved a recommendation from the district's School Health Advisory Council to expand puberty education instruction to younger students.

Dr. Rolo said the recommendation, advanced by volunteers on the district's student health advisory committee and led by district staff and the city health department, is data‑driven: the district's information shows many girls are maturing earlier, so the proposal would provide the existing puberty curriculum to fourth‑grade girls (in addition to fifth‑grade girls and boys), beginning in the 2026–27 school year. "This is not changing the curriculum; it is taking it down to a lower grade level for the girls," Dr. Rolo said.

Trustees noted the curriculum used is Always Changing and Growing Up, that materials are available for parent review, and that parents retain the right to opt their children out of instruction. A motion to approve expansion passed by voice vote.

Trustees framed the decision as student‑supportive and emphasized parental notification and opt‑out mechanisms; staff said materials will be available for review prior to implementation.