Board discusses proposed health standards

Superintendet Dale Martin presented board members with information about health education standards proposed by the state board of education.

Martin said, “I guess in my mind, this is a draft form and keep that in mind. They took input on the draft and now going back to committees. They’ll

rewrite those and maybe several rewrites.”

The superintendent said the proposed standards drew public input about standards being “too graphic ... and some things that parents should take care of and not the school.”

If the proposed standards are approved by the state board of education, the local board would not have to approve them.

“We could have our own standards that we use,” Martin said. “You don’t specifically have to use any curriculum the state recommends. They’re not exactly dictating to the local boards. I think you’re going to see a lot of changes.”

Board member Nate Schwager asked if funding would be reduced if a district chooses not to adopt the state standards.

“Not at this point,” Martin said. “We’ve always had the ability to have our own standards. They have to be as rigorous as the state standards”

Board president Ed Nordby said several school districts across the state have drafted letters of opposition to the proposed standards.

“I wonder if we shouldn’t get started on something like that, too,” Schwager said.

Board member Steven Thiele agreed. “It shows our public and patrons what we’re thinking.

Martin said the board would be within their right to write a letter to the state board.

The item will be discussed again at the July board meeting.