Sex Education Curriculum Fails To Pass At Warren School Board Meeting

WARREN, NJ — Warren School Board members were left at a stalemate when they were unable to pass the state's controversial updated sex education curriculum.

In a 4 to 4 vote, the board Warren Township's school board could not come to an agreement at the Aug. 29 meeting.

Below is the vote breakdown:

• Mark Bisci - No
• Daniel Croson - No
• Ryan Valentino - No
• Todd Weinstein - No
• David Brezee - Yes
• Lisa DiMaggio - Yes
• Laura Keller - Yes
• Patricia Zohn - Yes

"Now what? It feels like we are in a little bit of unchartered water here," said Board President Brezee after the vote.

Superintendent Dr. Matthew Mingle said the district would have to continue with the 2019 curriculum. He added that the Board Attorney is advising members that the Board is now in violation with state law and to be aware of whatever ramifications might impact the board.

The meeting lasted around 4 hours with Mingle, board members, and parents speaking about the curriculum.

"We recognize the emotional aspect of this topic and that people have very strong opinions and feelings," said Mingle at the beginning of the meeting.

He added that the staff worked hard over the summer to make "exceptional adjustments" in the curriculum.

"The actual student changes are essentially minimal... There are very few changes from the previous curriculum to this one," said Mingle.

Keller, who is Chair of the district's Curriculum, Communications, and Technology Committee, reminded parents of the opt-out option and added that the "best way to understand [the curriculum] is to reach out to child’s health and PE teachers."

The opinion from parents at the meeting was split on whether they were against it or opposed to the new curriculum.

"I do have concerns about it. I believe it is kind of pushed and pressured by special interest groups onto New Jersey. And I believe that is trickling down and the pressure is being put onto us," said resident William Mayerchak. "I want you guys to stand up and push back against the state of New Jersey."

Resident Dan Gallic, who described the curriculum as "pornographic" suggested having parents opt-in as a solution.

"An opt-out of the program makes the children subject to harassment and intimidation. An opt-out is not a solution at all, it shouldn’t even be considered. An opt-in makes a lot more sense," said Gallic.

Resident Nicole Gameiro was in favor of the Board passing the new curriculum.

"I am a firm believer that public schools have the responsibility to teach our kids about the world around them using age-appropriate strategies. I am also a firm believer that there is richness and knowledge and celebration to be had in embracing the diversity in the world around us. I have read curriculum guidelines and I trust our wonderful teachers to implement the curriculum with the care it deserves," said Gameiro.

"The suggestions from some of my fellow parents that their children should be shielded from gender and sexuality that exists on a vastly wide spectrum is harmful. It robs children of the opportunity to approach the world with openness and curiosity," said continued.

Mayor Victor Sordillo said he sees both sides of the story but worries about the age of innocence in children.

"Sometimes you have to stand up for your beliefs," Sordillo said. "I worry about a too liberal agenda in a conservative community."

"If you start teaching 2-year-olds about body parts what do you think they are going to talk about on the playground? " continued Sordillo.

The Board of Education's next meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Middle School. The Board Meeting will also be virtual via Zoom. Click HERE to access.

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