Capistrano Unified will hold public hearing on sex education

The Capistrano Unified School District board Wednesday will hold a public hearing on whether to adopt proposed sexual health education curriculum for 7th and 8th graders.

District Public Information Officer Ryan Burris says under state law, school districts are required to add comprehensive sexual health education to what is already provided and it must include HIV prevention.

He says the district developed its own curriculum with the help of teachers, staff, parents and families.

He points out, under state law, comprehensive sex education is defined as education regarding human development, sexuality, including education on pregnancy, contraception and sexually transmitted infections.

Burris says copies of the proposed sexual health instructional materials may be viewed at the district’s headquarters in San Juan Capistrano through Wednesday.

He says if the board adopts the curriculum, staff will be trained and it will be implemented by the end of the year. Parents will have the opportunity to opt out of the program.

Wednesday’s Capistrano Unified School District board meeting begins at seven in the evening.