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

Policy Date: 12/06/2017

CSD File: IGE
CANDIA 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.

The Board acknowledges that from time to time individual students may be exposed to specific course
materials, which their parents/legal guardians find objectionable. 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.

Adopted: June 7, 2012
Revised: December 6, 2017

Legal Reference:
RSA 186:11(IX-b) and (IX-c), State Board of Education; Duties. 20 U.S.C 1232h, (c)(1)(C), Protection of
Pupil Rights