BOE Update About Sex Education

Dear Dexter Community,

As we approach the end of the school year, the Board of Education (BOE) would like to share an update on the ongoing work to revise the district’s sex education curriculum. A first draft was presented to the community and the BOE last fall.

Background
In Dexter, sex education is taught in grades 4–7 and once during high school (as part of a broader health course in grades 7 and 9–12). The current curriculum is outdated, and relies on VHS tapes and photocopied materials rather than modern, digital resources. It also does not reflect significant societal changes, including the impact of cell phones, social media, and expanded access to information.

Process
Michigan law outlines both the requirement for and the structure of the SEAB, including its membership and responsibilities. The SEAB includes appointed parents, students, staff, community members, healthcare professionals, and clergy, with a required number of parent representatives. This range of perspectives is intentional and helps the BOE understand areas of consensus and differing viewpoints.

Over the past two years, the SEAB has reviewed the existing curriculum, surveyed students and caregivers, analyzed student risk behavior data (as required by law), identified priorities, and developed a recommended curriculum. All meetings were publicly noticed and open to the community.

The SEAB operates independently of the BOE and makes recommendations to the Board. After the initial Board review last fall, a three-member BOE ad hoc committee was formed to clarify Board feedback as needed. The SEAB completed all revisions. The updated sections draft will follow the same review process as before, including public input.

Public Comment Period
Community members are invited to review the revised curriculum in person at Bates (2704 Baker Rd, Dexter) on May 6th from 8am-10am and May 14th from 4pm-6pm. Due to copyright restrictions and to prevent unintended access by students without parental consent, materials cannot be distributed electronically.

These sessions are intended for general feedback to the BOE and not for individual family decision-making. We recognize that the scheduled times may not work for everyone.

Public hearings, as required by law, will take place during BOE meetings on May 18 and June 8 at 7:00 p.m. We understand that spring is a busy time, and in-person comment may not suit everyone. Written feedback may be submitted to boe@dexterschools.org and will receive equal consideration.

During the public comment period, Board members will review materials and community input individually. The BOE will not begin deliberations or respond to specific inquiries until after the second public hearing concludes on June 8. Our focus during this time is to listen and evaluate community feedback. 

Following this process, the BOE will vote to adopt the curriculum in full, reject it, or request further revisions from the SEAB.

Individual Parental Decisions
Parents have the right to review sex education materials before instruction and may opt their student out of any or all portions without penalty. While high school students must complete a health course for graduation, they are not required to participate in the sex education components. Parents wishing to review adopted materials to inform decisions about their child’s participation should contact their building principal.

Conclusion
The BOE is grateful for the many hours contributed by SEAB volunteers. We look forward to reviewing the revised curriculum and receiving thoughtful input from our community. Thank you, again, for being part of this process.

—Elise Bruderly (President), Melanie Szawara (Vice President), Jennifer Kangas (Treasurer), Daniel Alabré (Secretary), Trustees Michael Cipolla, David Pisano, and Amy Reiser.