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Finally, leadership is visible in the Parma City School District.
A few weeks ago, the Ohio Advocates hosted a community information night in Parma to discuss the state of sexual health education. We were very unsure of how many people were going to be at this meeting—we thought ten, maybe—and we were extremely surprised when we had a packed table full of very diverse community members. From students to parents, to staff from the AIDS Taskforce, and even a representative from the Parma City Schools, the turnout and discussion were very diverse, to say the least.
The meeting was a true example of democracy, for, while there were many comprehensive sex ed supporters in the room, there were also some skeptics, and as hosts of the meeting, we did our best to educate those who challenged our positions. In a group of 16-40+ in age, we managed to discuss sex, sex education, oral sex, communication, abstinence, state legislation, the state of the district, and had some very healthy debate about what young people are doing and what they should be taught. Although we had planned the meeting to be a spring board from which our community efforts would begin to mobilize, it turned out to be more successful in spurring discussion and question about what works, and obviously replacing what doesn't.
Much to our surprise, the Direct of Academic Services for the school district was one of those sitting around the table. At first apprehensive about why exactly she was there, and having to reframe our position so as to not insult anyone's lack of action, the Director's input proved very worthy. It was at this meeting that we learned that the Parma City School District has dis-invited Operation Keepsake from entering the school district, and O.K. will not be serving students effective this semester. Despite their lack of action earlier, we took this public statement as a positive reflection of where the district is heading.
Within the next few weeks, we hope to hear from the school district about their development of a community taskforce of professionals, parents, and students, to discuss, evaluate, and impement a new sexual health education curriculum by January of 2011. In ensuring that this taskforce is composed at least somewhat of health minded individuals, we presented the district with a list of a dozen or so people who have implied interest in committing to the taskforce. The superintendent has told us the she will consider those on the list as they develop the members.
Would I have believed you if you'd told me that I would be writing this just last November? This is progress.
dandaman6007
| 4/21/10 05:00 PM
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