School Trustees Approve Policy Changes
The Wolf Point School Board approved new policies during its monthly meeting held on Monday, Oct. 13.
The changes were based on the Montana School Board Association Policy Services team’s prepared updates to the model policy manual. The suggested updates were developed primarily in response to completion of the most recent legislative session. Policy changes includes the mandatory notices to parents regarding human sexuality instruction and adds requirements related to identity instruction. The changes were to comply with House Bill 471, which required parental consent for students to receive instruction on gender identity, mandates increased transparency for human sexuality curriculum and prohibits schools from working with abortion providers on sex education materials.
Another policy change is adding “Freedom Week” to the list of commemorative days in order to “educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of the United States and the values on which the United States was founded.” The policy comes in response to House Bill 591.
Trustee Michael Turcotte agreed with approving the policy changes, but noted that the adding freedom week policy also includes recognizing contributions of individuals on Lincoln Day, Washington Day and Pioneer Day. Turcotte said the school has a responsibility of sharing honest history to its students. He mentioned slavery and human trafficking. He urges to have a have officials review curriculum in order to teach the entire history of these individuals.
To comply with House Bill 343, school districts need to allow for the release of students from school for religious instruction at the written request of the parent and allows districts to award academic credit for completion of religious instruction under certain circumstances.
The passing of House Bill 381 allows for students to earn credits toward graduation for working in congregate care facilities, child care facilities or school-age programs under certain circumstances.
