Upgraded policies on sex and AIDS education were adopted by the Highline School District on March 26.
The policies emphasize teaching that condoms and other means of protection are important for sexually active youth.
That emphasis was added after board president Julie Burr Spani noted at a Feb. 27 board meeting that students who will be sexually active should receive information on condoms.
Students will also be taught about the dangers of sexual intercourse, with or without condoms, in contracting AIDS.
The policies reject abstinence-only sex education but allow parents to withdraw their children from sex education and AIDS prevention classes.
"It is recognized that values held by families of different cultures may result in requests to participate in our program to varying degrees," according to the newly adopted policy.
The district will hold presentations for parents and guardians at least a month before AIDS prevention classes begin. After attending a session, the parent or guardian may opt their child out of the classes with a written notice.
At the request of board vice president Bernie Dorsey, curriculum will be added on caring for younger siblings.
The new policy states, "Parenting and caring for infants and young children may be included in the instructional program as appropriate to the grade level and course of study.
"Curriculum materials shall promote a respect for values and beliefs held by individuals from different cultures."
The board also heard pleas from three parents of Challenge students at Hazel Valley Elementary not to move the program out of the school.
The program is for academically gifted students in the north end of the district. Another Challenge program is housed at Parkside Elementary in Des Moines.
Superintendent John Welch emphasized the decision has not been made yet on removing Challenge from Hazel Valley.
But, he added, adjustments have to be made at Hazel Valley in Burien because of overcrowding.
Solutions to overcrowding in schools could include redrawing boundary lines or moving special programs, Welch noted.
As of March 3, Hazel Valley had 588 students enrolled.
