Policies » Section I: Instruction » IGE: Parental Objections To Specific Course Materials

Policy Date: 11/21/2017

HSD File: IGE
HOOKSETT SCHOOL DISTRICT
PARENTAL OBJECTIONS TO SPECIFIC COURSE MATERIALS

The curriculum and course materials of the School District are designed to meet statutory requirements and include other areas of study deemed appropriate by the professional staff and the Board. The curriculum includes topics and materials that are age and ability appropriate to the students and are available for review by parents.

The Board acknowledges that from time to time individual students may be exposed to specific course materials which their parents/legal guardians find objectionable. Parents and legal guardians shall be notified, in writing, not less than two (2) weeks in advance of use of the curriculum course material to be used. For instruction of the human reproductive system or human sexual health and education, the material is available for review at the school. In such cases, the parents/legal guardians may request an exception to the specific course materials in accordance with applicable law and the following procedure.

1. The parents/legal guardians must:
a. Notify the building principal in writing of the specific course material to which they object; and
b. Provide a detailed written description or actual copy of the course material which they propose as an alternative to the District’s course material. That alternative material must meet applicable State requirements for education in the particular subject area.
c. Provide a detailed description of how and when the alternative course material will be delivered to the child at no cost to the District. The school district shall have no responsibility for delivery of the alternative course material.

2. The building principal shall review the proposed alternative course material and plan for delivery of the material; determine whether it is appropriate and meets State requirements and consult with the classroom teacher and other staff as appropriate.

3. The building principal shall notify the parents/legal guardians as soon as practicable whether or not he/she agrees to the alternative course material and plan for delivery of the material. Both the building principal and parents/legal guardians must agree in order for particular alternative course materials to be approved as a replacement for District course material.

4. If the building principal approves the alternative course materials and plan for delivery, the parents/legal guardians must provide appropriate documentation of the student’s successful completion of the material. Absent such documentation, the student will not receive credit for the work.

5. If the building principal and parents/legal guardians cannot agree on alternative course materials and a plan for delivery, the Superintendent may be requested to assist in resolving the matter. In the event that there is no agreement, the District shall expect the child to continue to participate in the school’s regular curriculum.

6. In the event that the parents/legal guardians are objecting to sex education or health programs on religious grounds, the student shall not be required to participate in the District’s regular curriculum, but may participate in an alternative program.

In accordance with State law, the names of the parents/legal guardians requesting exceptions to specific course materials and their reasons shall remain confidential.

Legal Reference:
RSA 186:11(IX-b) and (IX-e), State Board of Education; Duties
US Constitution 1232h, (c) (1) (c), Protection of Pupil Rights

Adopted: June 20, 2012
Revised: November 21, 2017