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By Ashley Parkinson
The Record-Times 

Harrington sex ed sparks debate

 

Last updated 4/6/2023 at 9:58am



HARRINGTON — A School Board work session became heated after the topic of sexual education came up Wednesday, March 29.

The debate came when school nurse Lindsay Sanford gave her yearly Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Implementation overview.

Parents and School Board members alike became heated when Sanford brought up teaching anal, oral and vaginal sex to fifth-graders, whose average age is 10.

School Board Vice-Chairman Jon Evans disagreed with the graphic nature of the presentation.

“None of us knew what to expect,” Evans said. “Until the school nurse came in to give an overview.”

Evans said that he has a 10-year-old daughter and that she should not be learning such graphic content.

“10-year-olds aren’t even thinking about that,” Evans said. “They should learn about the changes, hygiene…not oral sex.”

Board member Mark Kramer said his daughter learned the same material, but thought it should be “tailored back.”

“I voted for this last year,” Kramer said. “This was the first time we heard an in-depth overview. I do think it could be tailored back.”

He said fifth and sixth graders must be older for the material discussed.

Kramer noted the differences in opinions among the board have to do with experience, noting that fellow board member Darren Mattozzi also supported sex ed at the meeting.

“Jon (Evans) doesn’t have the experience we (Darren Mattozzi) and I do,” Kramer said. “We’ve been at this for a while.”

Mattozzi didn’t return calls for comment by press time.

Parent Carrie Parker didn’t attend the meeting but said parents should teach their kids sexual health, not the schools.

Superintendent John Cordell said Sanford’s presentation was the same detailed presentation given last year.

“It’s required by state law,” Cordell said. “It is no different than last year’s presentation.”

According to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Senate Bill 5395, passed by the legislative and Washington Voters in 2020, went into effect Dec. 3, 2020.

It requires all public schools to provide “age-appropriate” sexual education to all students.

Cordell said parents could opt their child out of the class, too.

Evans said parents should be able to opt in their child to the class instead of out.

A special board meeting where the board will go into executive session will be held Tuesday, April 11.

 

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