As a school board member, I’ve heard from many of you with questions about what’s being taught in our schools. Each Mankato Area Public School operates with some unique approaches, and as a board member, I don’t always have detailed insight into every classroom’s curriculum. Parents often express concerns about whether their children are being sufficiently challenged, though some also worry about the influence of political agendas. In both cases, it’s your right and responsibility to advocate for your child. Please reach out to me or other school board members with your concerns—we’re here to listen and help.

Our public schools are committed to providing a free, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Parenting is challenging, and we respect the diverse values and perspectives in our community. My goal is to ensure every student stays engaged in our schools. If a lesson doesn’t align with your family’s needs, I’d rather work with you to find alternatives than lose your child to another school. Below, I’ve outlined your rights under Minnesota law, federal regulations, and Mankato Area Public Schools policies, including access to curriculum information.

Right #1: Curriculum Review

You have the right to review the instructional materials used in your child’s classroom and request alternative instruction if you object to the content. This ensures transparency and keeps you involved in your child’s education.

From Minnesota Statutes 120B.20:

“Each school district shall have a procedure for a parent…to review the content of the instructional materials to be provided to a minor child or to an adult student and, if the parent…objects to the content, to make reasonable arrangements with school personnel for alternative instruction. Alternative instruction may be provided by the parent…if the alternative instruction, if any, offered by the school board does not meet the concerns of the parent… School personnel may not impose an academic or other penalty upon a student merely for arranging alternative instruction…”

Mankato Area Public Schools Policy: Mankato complies with this law through Policy 629 (Alternative Instruction). If you object to specific materials, contact your school’s principal to review the curriculum or request alternative instruction. Policy 630 also supports this process by allowing formal reconsideration of materials (see Right #5). For guidance, reach out to the Director of Teaching and Learning or visit Mankato’s Policy 629 Guidelines.

Right #2: District Advisory Committee

You can influence curriculum and instruction by serving on the district’s advisory committee, which ensures community input in educational planning.

From Minnesota Statutes 120B.11:

“Each school board must establish an advisory committee to ensure active community participation in all phases of planning and improving the instruction and curriculum affecting state and district academic standards… Whenever possible, parents and other community residents must comprise at least two-thirds of advisory committee members.”

Mankato Area Public Schools Policy: Mankato’s advisory committee focuses on academic excellence, equity, and culturally responsive curriculum.

Right #3: Student Survey Opt-Out

Under the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), you can opt your child out of surveys that collect sensitive information, such as political beliefs, mental health, sexual behavior, illegal activities, family relationships, privileged relationships (e.g., with lawyers or doctors), religious practices, or income (unless for program eligibility).

From PPRA (20 U.S.C. § 1232h):

Schools must notify parents of surveys involving protected information and provide an opportunity to opt out.

Mankato Area Public Schools Policy: Mankato adheres to PPRA for surveys like the Minnesota Student Survey (grades 5, 8, 9, and 11). Parents receive notification, can review survey materials, and may opt out by contacting their school’s principal. In 2016, Mankato ensured full PPRA compliance. Request the district’s opt-out form or confirm the process with your school.

Right #4: Sex Education Opt-Out

You can opt your child out of sex education lessons, and Mankato makes this process straightforward.

Opt-out forms for sex education are available in English and Somali listed below. Submit the completed form to excuse your child from these lessons. For assistance, contact your school’s administration.

• Opt-Out Form (English)
• Opt-Out Form (Somali):

Right #5: Reconsideration of Materials

If you object to textbooks, library books, or other instructional materials, Mankato has a clear process for raising concerns.

From Minnesota Statutes 124D.991:

A school library must have a “challenged materials procedure.”

Mankato Area Public Schools Policy (Policy 630): Policy 630 outlines how to challenge materials:

1. Start with the Teacher and Principal: Discuss your concerns informally. The principal will explain the material’s purpose and provide a .
2. Submit a Formal Concern: Complete the “Statement of Concern About Educational Resources” form, specifying issues like educational suitability, age appropriateness, or accuracy.
3. Reevaluation Committee: A seven-member committee (principal, teachers, media specialist, community members) reviews the material within 90 days, holding public meetings and assessing curriculum alignment.
4. Appeal: If you disagree with the committee’s decision, appeal in writing within 10 working days.

Materials remain in use during the review unless the committee decides otherwise. For details, visit Mankato’s Policy 630 Guidelines or contact the Director of Teaching and Learning.

Right #6: Minnesota Data Practices Act – Request Curriculum Information

You can request detailed information about your school’s curriculum using Minnesota’s Data Practices Act (MDPA), which ensures public access to government data, including educational records not protected by privacy laws.

From Minnesota Statutes 13.02:

“Public data” includes all data collected, created, received, maintained, or disseminated by a government entity unless classified as private or confidential.

How to Make a Data Request in Mankato:

• Clearly define the public data you’re seeking, such as curriculum guides, lesson plans, syllabi, instructional materials, or assessment data. For example, you might request “6th-grade math curriculum for the 2025-2026 school year” or “list of textbooks used in high school English classes.”
• Note that public data includes most government records unless classified as private (e.g., student records protected by FERPA or the MGDPA). Curriculum-related data is generally public unless it involves specific student information.
• Process: Submit a written request to Mankato Area Public Schools’ Superintendent. Specify the information you’re seeking (e.g., “5th-grade science curriculum for 2025”). The district must respond promptly, typically within 10 business days, providing the data or explaining if it’s private (e.g., student-specific records).
• Cost: Most requests are free for basic data, but copying or extensive staff time may incur fees. Ask for a cost estimate upfront.
• Why It Matters: A data request can clarify what’s being taught, helping you assess whether the curriculum challenges your child or aligns with your values.

For a sample request form or guidance, visit Minnesota’s Data Practices Page .

Let’s Work Together

Parenting in today’s complex world isn’t easy, and we’re all doing our best. By understanding your rights—whether reviewing curriculum, opting out of surveys, or requesting data—you can advocate effectively for your child. If you’re concerned about academic rigor or specific content, please contact your teacher, principal, or me directly. Together, we can ensure our schools remain places where every student thrives.

Additional Resources

Minnesota Data Practices Act Information

Parents and Students: You Don’t Have to Take the Survey

Resource Reminds Parents of Their Right to Review Curriculum

Survey Says: Educators Believe Parents Should Be Involved in Curriculum

Mankato Area Public Schools Policies