The Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429 Board of Education has discussed Senate Bill 818 (Public Act 102-0522) at multiple meetings this school year. The discussions surrounding SB818 have focused on the changes to comprehensive personal health education in grades 6 through 12 and age and developmentally appropriate consent education in grades 3 through 12. At our meeting on January 12th, an update was provided by Mr. Kriesch. This 6 minute update can be viewed by visiting https://tinyurl.com/HBR-Health-Update. At our most recent meeting on January 26th, we were reviewing and discussing PRESS Policy Issue 108, of which one of the many policies updated related to SB818 and the plan in our District. Our discussion can be viewed by clicking here (the discussion on this topic happened between 52:41 - 1:34:01 of the live stream). Our local plan of action related to SB818 is planned as follows, in chronological order:
Relay our plan to our parents and staff. (January 2022)
Adopt Policy 6:60 indicating that HBR CUSD #429 does not offer National Sex Education Standards (NSES) or developmentally appropriate consent education. (March 2022)
Await the release of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) voluntary learning standards and available resources. This is supposed to be released no later than August 1, 2022.
Consider the information available to determine our options for the 2022-2023 school year to either: (August 2022)
If allowable, continue with the practices we are using this year, and in previous years, in our District related to age and developmentally appropriate sex education; or
Not provide any education related to age and developmentally appropriate sex education.
Review the release of ISBE’s voluntary learning standards and available resources. (Fall 2022)
Engage staff and parents, as warranted, considering our options related to ISBE’s voluntary learning standards and available resources. (Fall - Winter 2022)
Determine our course of action considering ISBE’s voluntary learning standards and available resources to either: (Spring 2023)
If allowable, continue with the practices we are using this year, and in previous years, in our District related to age and developmentally appropriate sex education; or
Modify the current standards used in our District related to age and developmentally appropriate sex education and/or consent education; or
Not provide any education related to age and developmentally appropriate sex education and consent education
Communicate our final plan of action related to SB818 to all stakeholders. (Spring - Summer 2023)
Revisit and adjust Policy 6:60 as needed to ensure alignment with our final plan. (Summer 2023)
Implement our final plan of action related to SB818. (Fall 2023)
Please understand that this is our plan today with the information we have available at our fingertips. This plan may change based on new information that comes up.
When and how to begin discussions related to puberty, consent, and sex is a decision that each family makes based on the individual needs or development of their children. As discussed in our Board meeting last Wednesday, we recognize it is likely that our families will not all be in agreement with the final plan we decide on. As we determine our course of action, we will strive to engage with our community, seeking your voice and communicating our actions along the way. Please note that if, at any time, a parent decides they do not want their child(ren) to engage in our age and developmentally appropriate sex education, they can opt out of this learning. Talk with the appropriate building Principal if this is desired.
If you should have any questions about our plan as described above, feel free to reach out to me at tmcguire@hbr429.org or call the District Office at 815-286-7578.
#TogetherWeGotThis
Dr. Travis L McGuire
HBR CUSD #429