Board adopts Great Body Shop as district K–5 health curriculum with grade-level opt-outs

District teaching-and-learning staff recommended the board adopt The Great Body Shop as the district's K–5 health curriculum, describing it as an Oregon Department of Education–approved, standards-aligned program. Presenters said the pilot produced positive feedback on relevance and student engagement, while teachers identified implementation needs such as pacing, language scaffolds and planning time.

"Elementary health instruction is not optional for Oregon school districts," a presenter said while laying out legal requirements (Division 22) and explaining why a district adoption is necessary to meet state standards. The team proposed grade-specific opt-outs so families could preview unit-level content and opt out of particular units rather than opting out wholesale.

Teachers who piloted the curriculum reported students were engaged, especially on topics such as safety, emotional wellness and decision-making. At the same time teachers asked for clearer scaffolds for English learners and time to prepare materials; the district proposed a phased implementation (fall 2026 training and planning, winter 2026 monitoring and spring 2027 outcomes review).

Board members discussed the pilot process, the opt-out plan and the required seven-year adoption cycle mandated by the state. Questions also arose about whether the state list might expand now that publisher fees were removed under SB 41; staff said they anticipated more curriculum options in future reviews.

The board voted to adopt The Great Body Shop for K–5 beginning the 2026–27 school year and approved the district's opt-out and implementation timeline. Staff said they will post unit previews, opt-out forms and an FAQ on the district website ahead of fall implementation.