The vision of the Williams Unified School District is to place each child in the best position

to succeed intellectually, academically, emotionally, physically, and socially

A Public Hearing of the Williams Unified School District No. 2 Governing Board was held at 6:00 pm on the above date at the Williams Elementary Middle School Auditorium.  Board members present: Mr. Parenteau, Mrs. Cothren and Mrs.  Nelson.  Mr. Stilwell and Mr. Nenne were absent.  Also present: Board Secretary, Patricia Merrill and Lori Malangone from AYP, and several staff and community members.

GOVERNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

I.              OPENING ITEMS

Ø       Mr. Parenteau called the hearing to order at 6:10 pm and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ø       Motion by Mrs. Cothren to adopt the agenda as presented, second by Mrs. Nelson.  Motion approved 3-0.

II.            PUBLIC HEARING

A.      This Public Hearing of the WUSD Governing Board, held pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code Section R7-2-303(A), is for the purpose of receiving public input concerning the proposed sex education abstinence curriculum.

1.        Opening Comments:  Mr. Albert Parenteau, Board President

Ø       Mr. Parenteau recognized and thanked the members of the Sex Education Curriculum Advisory Committee for their participation on the committee and for their work in reviewing the abstinence curriculum.  The committee members are:  Sandy Roe, Chairperson; Nell Brown, Ladena Dennison, Doris Ann Mertz, Donny Bridges, Jaren Hudgens, Dixit Patel, Theresa Chavez, DeNene Pace, and ex-officio members Janet Cothren and Dr. McCraley.

Ø       Mrs. Cothren explained that as committee members reviewed the curriculum materials, they kept in mind the guidelines set forth in District Policy.  A main effort of the committee was to determine if the curriculum meets those guidelines.   They felt, that indeed, the guidelines are met.

B.       Ms. Sandy Roe, Advisory Committee Chair 

1.         Review of recommendation to the Board from the Sex Education Ad Hoc Advisory Committee

Ø       Mrs. Roe presented additional information from the Committee.  She noted that the group was careful to take into consideration the various cultural beliefs present in the community. They concluded that the curriculum would be a good first step to introducing Sex Education class for WUSD students.  To that end, the committee presented a letter to the Governing Board recommending that the abstinence curriculum be approved for grades 6-12, with initial instruction to begin with 7-9 students.

Ø       As a point of information, Mrs. Roe stated that earlier in the day, several national news stations reported that currently 1 in 4 teens nationwide has a sexually transmitted disease (STD). 

2.         Comments from the WHS and WEMS Site Councils regarding the Abstinence Program

Ø       Mrs. Roe reported that the curriculum was presented to both the WEMS and WHS Site Councils.  Each group provided a position letter on the issue.  Mrs. Roe read the letter from the WHS Council and Ms. Kali Kaliche read for the WEMS Council.

                                3.      Introduction of Ms. Patricia Merrill from the Arizona Youth Partnership

Ø       Mrs. Roe introduced Ms. Merrill and Ms. Lori Malangone.

                                                 a.    Presentation of Abstinence Curriculum by Ms. Merrill

Ø       Ms. Merrill gave a Power Point overview of the program, which included statistics from many sources concerning teen sexual activity and teen pregnancy.  As the program progressed she explained how she teaches the program, which relies on researched based and up-to-date health information. 

                C.    Time provided for questions and comments from the public

Ø       Mr. David Miggins, WEMS Site Council Chair and parent, asked how the instructor would respond if asked an extremely pointed question concerning condoms.  Ms. Merrill responded that the answer would depend on the age of the child.  Some questions she would answer straightforward, other she would suggest that the child consult with a parent.  She also noted that there are several subject areas in the curriculum on which she will consult with the school administration and ask for their direction; do they want it taught or not.

Ø       Ms. Kali Kalechi, WEMS Site Council member, stated that she was disappointed that the curriculum did not provided for the instructor to tell students, who believe they might have an STD, that they should talk to their parent and seek medical attention as soon as possible.   Ms. Merrill responded that

Williams USD #2

Governing Board

Minutes

March 11, 2008

        the curriculum is only a guideline and she does include that advice to students, although it is not   

        specifically mentioned in the book.

Ø       Mrs. Natalie Mann, kindergarten teacher and parent, is concerned that jumping into abstinence instruction might be confusing for students who may not even know what ‘sex’ is.  Upper elementary students have instruction in health, which covers issues up to, but not including, the explanation of sexual intercourse.

Ø       Ms. Allen, a grandparent and great grandparent, expressed appreciation that this concept is going to be considered for adoption by the Board.  She feels it is worthwhile and she supports the program completely.

III.          ANNOUNCEMENTS

IV.           ADJOURNMENT

Ø       Motion by Mrs. Nelson to adjourn the hearing, second by Mrs. Cothren.  Motion approved 3-0.

Ø       Hearing adjourned at 7:13 pm.

                                                                                                                _____________________________________  ___________

                                                                                                                Albert Parenteau, President                                Date