Sexual Education, Head Lice, School-City Parks at SBUSD Meeting

Union negotiations and changes to policy related to sexual education, animals at school and other topics will be discussed at the South Bay Union School District (SBUSD) Board of Trustees meeting at Burress Auditorium Thursday at 6 p.m.

Following a recommendation by Imperial Beach Mayor Jim Janney, the Board of Trustees will discuss the idea of allowing school playgrounds to double as parks for the entire community. Public use would only be allowed when school is not in session.

The idea was originally proposed at a city workshop in January as a way to offer more open space for the city's "underserved" residents in Central and Oneonta neighborhoods east of 9th Street.

Superintendent Carol Parish and Board President Elvia Aguilar met with Janney and City Manager Gary Brown to discuss the idea on March 15.

The district and city have not had a joint-use agreement since 1997, said district spokeswoman Amy Cooper.

In other matters to be considered at the meeting, wording for several district policies may change, including:

- BP/AR 6142.1 Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Instruction
Among revised language in the document governing sexual education, a portion that says the curriculum "…shall help students understand the biological, psychological, social, moral, and ethical aspects of human sexuality" will be replaced with "aligned with state standards" and "designed to teach students to make healthy choices and reduce high-risk behavior."

As the district only recently started to offer classes for 7th graders, policies have been added that specifically reference education for 7th graders, including abstinence instruction and the availability of condoms.

- BP 6163.2 Animals at School
Language has been added to plainly state that "the district assumes no liability for the safety of animals allowed on district property" and remove language that states animals "can be an effective teaching aid."

- BP 5141.33 Head Lice
Language has been added to a letter sent home with students who have head lice that states parents or guardians should use an over-the-counter lice killing shampoo "according to label instructions." Lice needs blood to survive so remove the lice from the source and they die. "Excessive cleaning measures are not necessary" was also added to the letter.

The Board of Trustees may alter, comment or change the amendments at the meeting.

Click here to see the district's current governance documents and board policies.

A public hearing will be held before the board votes on a counterproposal to the local California School Employees Association (CSEA) chapter related to wages.

See the board meeting materials packet for more information.

The board will consider changes to Child Nutrition Department staffing at various schools throughout the district.

Presentations will be made based on the pros and cons of alternative energy and use of Proposition X bond funds.

In part due to a short period of time between school years, the district will ask the state to waive a requirement that qualifying special education students receive additional instruction during summer break. The waiver will request five fewer days of instruction for special education students.

Prior to the vote on the waiver, Director of Student Service Erin Lain will give a presentation on the district's special education instruction. 11 percent of the student population receive special education services.

The board will recognize community volunteers and staff at the start of the meeting.

Former Reachout to Families Resource Center director Yolanda Araujo will join current Reachout staff for recognition as well. The Reachout to Families Resource Center is on campus at Central Elementary School.

For the full meeting schedule see the attached agenda and documents related to specific agenda items.