WCSD approves 2021-22 reopening plan, SHARE curriculum

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees met Tuesday, May 25, 2021, to discuss the return to school for students for the 2021-22 year, as well as the potential rebuild of the Sexuality, Health, and responsibility Education (SHARE) curriculum for sixth grade.

Leaders discussed each grade level individually (elementary, middle, and high school) to make sure every decision made the most sense for every age group.

Plans for elementary, middle, and high schoolers for the 2021-22 year were all passed unanimously at the meeting.

There will be full in-person learning for all students, while still having the option to do full distance learning through the North Star Online Learning School.

District officials said that it would be more difficult for students to switch from in-person to online school, and recommend families choose online first if they’re trying to decide between the two.

The deadline to apply for North Star Online Learning is Friday, May 28, 2021.

There will also be no hybrid schedule for middle and high schoolers.

All EL and Special Education services will continue to be provided in person as well.

“We would like nothing better than for full-time, in-person, unrestricted school in the fall,” Dr. Angie Taylor, President of the Board of Trustees said, “We understand that’s the best environment for students to learn. I think teachers like it better that way, families like it better that way, students like it better that way.”

For transportation, leaders said they’ll need to add at least 25 more bus routes to maintain the increase in kids going back to school. Regarding nutrition services, they hope to be able to return to pre-COVID operations. The NIAA plans to implement athletics at 100% until told otherwise.

The Board of Trustees also approved the recommendation to update the SHARE program in a 5 to 2 vote Tuesday night.

The current curriculum has not received a complete rebuild since 2003.

Leaders say how it is right now does not adequately address consent, healthy relationships, setting boundaries, biological male and female reproductive systems, the Process of Human Reproduction, STIs and prevention, medically accurate local resources, and the needs of our diverse student population.

Many parents and residents do not agree with the proposed changes.

“I think it’s very important that we teach the biology and science behind it to our kids, but when it comes to the morality, no,” said Bruce Parks, a concerned taxpayer, “That’s the parent’s job. This particular curriculum promotes promiscuity.”

A large crowd of parents and citizens gathered outside the meeting to voice their opinions against this and the proposed social justice curriculum, which was not discussed Tuesday night.

Students must also have parent permission to participate in SHARE.

The WCSD is required by law to have a SHARE program.

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