National debate is brewing as President Barack Obama prepares to address students across the country next week.

Lake Highlands parents are wondering about the official position of RISD and what they can expect for students in our local schools.

Tim Clark, Director of Communications for RISD, explains the district's decision, which effectively leaves the choice to parents.

"RISD defines President Obama's planned address as a non-curricular media event, similar to the the Presidential Inauguration earlier this year," says Clark.

"In other words, this event is not part of the normal course of district curriculum for the 2009-'10 school year."

The U.S. Department of Education recently invited school districts across the country to air President Obama's live address on Tuesday, September 8th.

According to the Department of Education, "the President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for their learning."

In a letter sent home this afternoon with RISD students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, the district details the U.S. Department's request and offers students the option of viewing the address on September 9th, with parental permission.

Making the address available for optional viewing a day after its original airing was a decision made by Dr. Carolyn Bukhair, RISD Interim Superintendent.

"Dr. Bukhair considered two criteria in making this decision," explains Clark. "Most importantly, the district considers the educational value of the event in question."

"Secondly, and also of great importance, is what our parents want the district to do and how we can best accommodate their wishes," he continues.

Technology and scheduling issues prevent the district from showing the address to all children on the day it's scheduled to air nationally - September 8th.

"By making the President's address available for viewing on the 9th, and offering parents the right to choose for their children, the district is leaving the choice up to individual families," says Clark.

"No penalties will be assessed no matter the decision made, of course, and students who choose to view the address will not miss any core instruction."

The September 9th viewings will be held in the schools' central locations, such as libraries or auditoriums.

According the district's permission slip, the option to view the President's address is being made available because of its historic educational context, respect for the Office of the President of the United States, and the value of learning civic responsibility.

For more details, visit the RISD homepage at http://www.risd.org