The city school board is likely to vote in favor of allowing students to receive condoms at school at its Thursday, January 26 meeting, says board member Jose Cruz. Under changes being proposed to the district's HIV/AIDS prevention policy, students could go to a high school nurse or health services office for condoms. | Longstanding district policy requires that all students receive age appropriate and accurate information emphasizing that abstinence is the best form of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. And parents can "opt out" of the controversial condom-availability program by completing a brief form. | A condom program for Rochester's schools was discussed last year as a result of alarming data from the Monroe County Health Department. The county's records showed an increase in city youth with sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, in 2010. | The school board held multiple public meetings on the proposed condom program, and most health advocacy groups support the measure. Some parents and religious groups oppose it. | The school board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. the district's central office, 131 West Broad Street.