Olympia, WA: A bill granting the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction final power over school district materials on sex education and teaching related to race and gender is heading to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk.
The Senate approved Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2331 with a 29-20 vote, following the House of Representatives’ clearance with a 58-39 vote on Feb. 10.
Senator Mark Mullet, a Democrat from Issaquah, supported the bill but expressed his disappointment with the final form approved by lawmakers.
He claimed he comprehends the sponsors’ objectives. “I find it frustrating that the Senate amendment worsened the bill.”
Mullet was discussing the amendment proposed by Sen. T’wina Nobles, D-Lakewood, which was included in the measure approved by the Senate on Thursday.
The change eliminates the school district’s capacity to challenge a decision made by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction on instructional materials before its own board of directors. Final rulings would be immune to appeals for at least three years.
The law goes against the established state policy that allows community-based school boards and parents to manage their own public schools.
Superintendent Chris Reykdal emphasized that local control would be of utmost importance and that decisions about curriculum would continue to be made at the district level.
When questioned about the amendment eliminating the appeal option for parents regarding disputed curriculum, Senate Education Committee Chair Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Issaquah, stated, “As a parent, you have rights concerning your child, but do you have the right to prevent others from seeing it as well?” No, unlikely.
She continued by stating that if every parent expressed their disapproval and objections, it would result in disorder.
Wellman emphasized the significance of district distinctions. Wellman stated that if voters disagree with the legislation, they have the option to elect a different superintendent.
“We all originate from various districts,” she stated. “Preferences in my district may differ from those in another district.”
“If you disagree with this individual’s actions, you have the right to do so. School boards and locally elected superintendents in those districts provide oversight at various levels,” she stated.
Recently, controversial teaching materials have gained attention through Initiative 2081, which aims to establish a parents’ bill of rights and provide access to their child’s medical or health information.
I-2081 will undergo a legislative public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 8 a.m.