(a) For the school year commencing July 1, 2021, and each school year thereafter, each local and regional board of education shall include African-American and black studies and Puerto Rican and Latino studies as part of the curriculum for the school district, pursuant to § 10-16b. In developing and implementing the African-American and black studies and Puerto Rican and Latino studies curriculum, the board may utilize the curriculum materials made available by the State Board of Education pursuant to subsection (d) of § 10-16b or other existing and appropriate public or private materials, personnel and resources, provided such curriculum is in accordance with the state-wide subject matter content standards, adopted by the state board pursuant to § 10-4.

(b) A local or regional board of education may accept gifts, grants and donations, including in-kind donations, designated for the development and implementation of the African-American and black studies and Puerto Rican and Latino studies curriculum under this section, including professional development and in-service training.