Mount Vernon City Schools will begin providing developmentally appropriate instruction in child sexual abuse prevention for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, in accordance with Ohio Senate Bill 288. The law, enacted by the 134th General Assembly, requires student instruction, parent and guardian notification, and staff training to support statewide abuse prevention efforts.
Superintendent William Seder shared the district’s plans in a letter to families, outlining the use of the SPEAK UP curriculum developed by Foundation United. The program uses research-based practices to equip students from kindergarten through grade 12 with the knowledge and skills to recognize unsafe situations and respond appropriately.
The curriculum is vertically aligned to ensure age-appropriate instruction. For students in grades K–2, the focus is on safety: identifying what is safe and unsafe and knowing what to do when feeling unsafe. In grades 3–5, students learn how to be equipped to recognize and respond to potentially harmful behavior, with an emphasis on personal boundaries and trusted adults.
“We understand that every family is unique, and the educational needs of each student may vary,” Seder wrote. “As a result, the law allows parents and legal guardians to request that their child be excused from taking instruction in child sexual abuse prevention.”
Families wishing to opt out must complete the designated Google Opt-Out Form. Once submitted, the opt-out status will remain in effect through the 2025–2026 school year.
According to Seder, last year, 98% of Mount Vernon elementary students participated in the SPEAK UP program. He also underscored that school staff are available to answer questions and provide additional information to families seeking guidance or clarification.
For more information about the curriculum or opt-out procedures, families are encouraged to contact the district directly. Updates may be shared through school communications as the program is implemented.
