TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Monday, Vigo County School officials held their first public work session on the corporation’s sex education program, as some community members ask for changes to the curriculum.
Earlier this year during Vigo County School Board meetings, the corporation’s sex ed program became a hotly debated topic after some called for a more comprehensive program.
“It’s a very intimate conversation. It’s something that’s just not taught at the school but also has to be taught in the community and has to be taught at home. And what we’re hearing from some of those homes is they would like to see reform,” said Dr. Rob Haworth, Vigo County Schools superintendent.
To address these concerns, a sex education committee made up of school board members was formed.
Monday, the committee held it’s first of three public work sessions on the topic.
“It’s information gathering in all three sessions with a hope to bring some sort of recommendation by the 13th,” Haworth said.
During Monday’s meeting educators, both current and some retire, spoke on what is being taught in the classroom in regards to sex education, this includes discussions on textbooks.
“Our curriculum is evidence based and it is medically accurate and has been vetted by a number of physicians, professors, universities,” said Holly Pies, VCSC curriculum coordinator of health education.
During the work session, outside partners who help supplement the corporation’s curriculum also spoke, this includes representatives from CODA and Chances and Services for Youth.
Pies says this is an important part of Vigo County Schools sex ed curriculum.
“With their expertise and experience, it just helps bring that focus in on particular topics,” Pies said.
When asked what she hopes comes at the conclusion of the scheduled work sessions, Pies says she hopes a decision that can move the corporation forward.
“I hope that a decision can be made that is certainly medically accurate, following the standards and in line with curriculum in the state, and we can move forward,” Pies said.
The next work session is scheduled for Monday, July 6th.
During that meeting the committee will hear from advocates for the Creating Positive Relationships program that is a part of the corporations sex ed curriculum.
