MERRILL, Wis. (WSAU) – Merrill school board members will discuss a new sex ed policy for the district tonight.
A new state law requires districts to teach students about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases in health courses. But Merrill has traditionally taught an abstinence only course in their district which means the high school and middle schools would have to change curriculum.
Opponents of the change say the district should stop teaching those health courses altogether if the district is being forced to change policies. Others have stated that the district doesn't have to stop teaching abstinence, but has to include birth control and STI's in the health courses.
In a letter released by the district, Superintendent Lisa Snyder says the board is exploring those options, and is holding a public hearing tonight to help the community discuss and go over those issues. The board's Health and Development Advisory committee will present their finding tonight, and the board will decide the matter in open session.
Tonight's meeting starts at 5:30.
