RRPS to revisit Policy 401 at Monday's meeting

Rio Rancho Observer ^ | 4/10/2006 | Gary Herron

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The controversial Science Policy 401, which drew its share of detractors and backers when passed by the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education last August, is on the board's agenda Monday.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the board room at the district offices, 500 Laser Road.

"In light of some recent court cases and the fact we have not implemented the policy, it had to be revisited," said school board president Lisa Cour.

Science Policy 401, passed 3-2, states "discussions that are of interest to both science and individual religious and philosophical beliefs will acknowledge that reasonable people may disagree about the meaning and interpretation of data."

Although the policy seemed somewhat vague and was not formally implemented, its passage attracted the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Cour said the board faces three choices tomorrow evening: Leave the policy in place, suspend the policy or rescind the policy.

Cour said the board will welcome anyone interested in stating his or her views to sign up for the public comment session. They will have three minutes to state their views.

"Public comment is incredibly important," she said, "(and) something the board should listen to."

Cour said the policy was made a part of the agenda because, "At this point, the direction the courts and the state of New Mexico are taking is science courses in public schools should teach evolution, period. Rio Rancho students are encouraged to think critically on a regular basis in all their classes."

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This meeting ended about 2 hours ago. The board voted to keep the policy and amended it slightly to be fully aligned with the state standards for teaching science.

There were about 150 people present, and the public comment period lasted for at least 90 minutes.

The board members who wrote the policy reiterated that they will NOT be teaching ID or creationism in the classes, as that would be in conflict with state law.

The media present included the author of this article, and news crews from Channels 4 and 7 in Albuquerque.