| The Oil City Area School District administration continues to fall under the scrutiny of a few parents and taxpayers regarding lessons being taught in the district on sexuality and gender identity. “We Care Elementary” and "Sexual Abuse Free Environment for Teens" are programs designed to educate students and help keep them safe from abuse, bullying and negative self-image issues/mental health issues, according to Oil City Superintendent Lynda Weller. Parent Devin Aaron is among those who say the program steps into areas that should be handled at home. She and four other adults shared their objections during a recent school board meeting. The board’s agenda for the February 27 meeting included the retroactive approval of curricula "We Care Elementary" (grades 3-6) and "Sexual Abuse Free Environment for Teens" (grades 7-8) to April 18, 2022. The meeting also included a presentation from Aaron and her husband Dan, Joe Klapec and Theresa Dominique at which time they voiced their objections to the program. The board decided to table any vote for further review and discussion. Weller says the scrutiny comes in part because of the over use of the word “curriculum” by the Oil City administration and the mishandling of opt-out policy in connection with one of the district’s students. Weller said curriculum and resources are sometime used within the district interchangeably and the administrators know the differences when discussing them. A curriculum is something the district “must” provide under Chapter 4 of the school code. Pennsylvania academic standards are tied to these. | Click here for the school board work session agenda for March 20, 2023 Click here to learn about the Oil City School board, who is on the board and how to contact them and how to participate in school board meetings. Click here to learn more about the healthy relationship programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Words Matter: Click here to see how words centered around this story have been used and, if not explained properly can be be misleading. |
"So when we talk about our official curriculum, that’s what the board needs to approve. This other stuff, which we may use the term curriculum, really is a resource or material to help meet the standards under the core curriculum. So it gets confusing.”
Aaron says their objections are greater than that.
Though she says there are good things in the lessons, she, and others object certain lesson about sexuality and gender. “There is no place for this sexuality lesson in school,” said Aaron.
Aaron says their objections are greater than that.
Though she says there are good things in the lessons, she, and others object certain lesson about sexuality and gender. “There is no place for this sexuality lesson in school,” said Aaron.
She is referring to, in part, a worksheet that was handed out to students in April 2022. The worksheet asked students to match the terms: “your biological sex,” “gender identity,” “gender expression,” “sexual feelings” and “sexual expression” with definitions describing what each meant.
At that time the sheet began circulating on social media (not by the district) and drew some attention, but the posts did not include the full context of the lesson.
The worksheet is part of a multi-lesson resource/program taught by trained personnel from the PPC Violence Free Network, a program of the Venango County Family Services and Children’s Aid Society.
“There was script read to the class,” Weller said about the worksheet. The script talked about boundaries and how people feel and react when boundaries are not respected. The script went into self-esteem and sexual harassment, how different people express themselves through their own personal understanding of their own sexuality. “The term 'sexuality' is an umbrella term. This means it is a word that we use to describe a number of different things,” the script explained. “Misinformation about sexuality can sometimes lead to hurtful or unhealthy behaviors,” it continued.
Weller said events involving Oil City area children led the district to seek out the program to help protect students against abuse through proactive education. The “We Care Elementary” and "Sexual Abuse Free Environment for Teens" were chosen because they have been reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and a county agency was at the ready, with trained personnel to implement the program.
History
In 2021, an incident of sexual harassment involving students within the school district led to discussions on how the district can best serve its students overall through education initiatives.
Tracy Delmonaco, the district’s Title IX administrator, sought advice from colleagues, including fellow enrollees in a doctoral program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, to find a program to meet the needs of the school. These student colleagues are fellow administrators from across the state and they discussed many options.
The Vermont-based “We Care Elementary” and “Sexual Abuse Free Environment for Teens” were brought up and it was on the list Pennsylvania Department of Education approved programs. She also discovered the PPC staff were trained to implement these resources and had a grant to administer the lessons for free. Delmonaco, after reviewing the materials, suggested working with the PPC, Weller agreed and made the school board aware in 2021.
“Dr. Weller is absolutely correct that the board did have full knowledge of her intention to implement this program with our students,” school board president Joseph McFadden said in an email earlier this week. “The board members did not show or vocalize any objections to the direction being discussed.”
According to a timeline provided by Weller, the program was implemented in the fall of 2021. A letter went out to parents and was posted on the social media. No parents or guardians opted their children out of the classes at that time.
In April 2022, according to Weller, the district received concerns from parents about a particular lesson pertaining to sexuality in a sixth grade lesson. Weller said she informed the board of the parents’ concerns. During the next board work session a few days later suggestions were made to improve communications with parents about the lessons. Weller and Delmonaco admitted the language in the letter to parents was vague and they worked to improve the letter with more details.
In May 2022, parents of 10 students opted their child out of the lessons involving sexuality and gender.
In January 2023, one of the students, the child of Dan and Devin Aaron was not pulled from the class. Devin Aaron said she and her husband were upset that their wishes, expressed verbally, were not granted. Weller admitted the school made an error and have since added more layers to hopefully insure the error doesn’t happen again. She said the school apologized to the Aarons, who confirmed they received an apology from the school’s principal.
Since then the small group put together a lengthy PowerPoint given during the February meeting. The presentation included their frustrations over what they feel was a lack of transparency about the "curriculum" and the fact that administrators implemented the program within the district. Devin Aaron later created the private Facebook group "Concerned Parents and Taxpayer of OCASD" in early March and they currently have 94 members.
Curriculum or not
The topic rose to the public's view again in February when the Aarons, two other parents objected to what was characterized by local media as “controversial” curriculum that Weller “unilaterally” approved.
Devin Aaron said “the root of our concern continues to be lost. There is a point when school’s are overstepping and pushing their agenda. It is the parents’ decision and right to have these discussions with their children. It doesn’t belong in public school.”
Weller doesn’t disagree that parents should be involved, but not every student under the district’s care has such a home life. She pointed to the fact there are over 60 students who are considered “unaccompanied youth,” a designation for students who do not have a biological parent or court appointed guardian in the picture, as one illustration that not every home is the same.
Devin Aaron says she understands not every home is the same, but still doesn't believe the lesson belong in school and wants more transparency so they can decide their child's needs.
Weller and Delmonaco say they want parents and guardians to be involved and believe they are being transparent. They are also admitting they can do better and are working on further ways to improve communication with parents and guardians.
McFadden said the board was aware of the program and that Weller and her staff have their confidence. Weller and Delmonaco also provided evidence documenting how on several occasions they gave opportunities to the public and staff to better understand the resource material used by the district.
They emphasized the district must make decisions in the interest of students coming from extremely varied backgrounds, lived experiences, and parental involvement.
Delmonaco and Weller pointed to the ever-changing demographics, statistics and infiltration of modern technology at virtually every kids’ fingertips. “Over past couple of years we were seeing an increase of reported sexual abuse of our students, we were seeing an increase in suicide and depression and some mental health concerns. We’re seeing an increase in students utilizing technology in inappropriate ways,” Delmonaco explained. “So we knew that that stuff was going on and we had discussions to be progressive in addressing those issues. My job is to make sure I’m addressing all kids regardless of their backgrounds, or their religion affiliations. And that I’m creating equitable opportunities.”
Weller agreed and pointed out that of the district’s nearly 1,900 students, all who have their own unique background and story.
She referred to a lesson she learned years ago from an administrator in the district. “You can’t put your middle-class values on everybody and expect that they had the same life experience that you did,” Weller quoted. “I think that’s hard for people to understand the differences of A to Z of how our students are living their lives.”
Next steps
The Oil City school board meets again at 7 p.m. Monday, March 20, among the items listed on the work session agenda are four speakers, who indicated they would like to discuss the topic further.
Devin Aaron is among those listed. “They (the administration) knows there are parents that are not ok with gender ideology and sexual expression lessons going on with children in elementary school,” she said. “This type of discussion needs to happen at home.”
Weller acknowledged some concerns have been voiced but indicated only two families have expressed concerns and that of the 10 students who were opted out of the lessons last year, only four have been opted out this year.
On March 13, the curriculum committee held a public meeting to discuss what the district can and will do moving forward. Curriculum chair Mark Kerr indicated he’ll suggest the district puts out additional inquiries on education alternatives to see what comes back.
Though she thinks the Pennsylvania Department of Education approved resources they already have in place are good, Weller thinks this is a step forward. “If there are other programs that we should consider, bring them to us, present and… we don’t have to use this particular healthy relationships project. If there is one that is a better fit, bring it on, that would be great.”
At that time the sheet began circulating on social media (not by the district) and drew some attention, but the posts did not include the full context of the lesson.
The worksheet is part of a multi-lesson resource/program taught by trained personnel from the PPC Violence Free Network, a program of the Venango County Family Services and Children’s Aid Society.
“There was script read to the class,” Weller said about the worksheet. The script talked about boundaries and how people feel and react when boundaries are not respected. The script went into self-esteem and sexual harassment, how different people express themselves through their own personal understanding of their own sexuality. “The term 'sexuality' is an umbrella term. This means it is a word that we use to describe a number of different things,” the script explained. “Misinformation about sexuality can sometimes lead to hurtful or unhealthy behaviors,” it continued.
Weller said events involving Oil City area children led the district to seek out the program to help protect students against abuse through proactive education. The “We Care Elementary” and "Sexual Abuse Free Environment for Teens" were chosen because they have been reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and a county agency was at the ready, with trained personnel to implement the program.
History
In 2021, an incident of sexual harassment involving students within the school district led to discussions on how the district can best serve its students overall through education initiatives.
Tracy Delmonaco, the district’s Title IX administrator, sought advice from colleagues, including fellow enrollees in a doctoral program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, to find a program to meet the needs of the school. These student colleagues are fellow administrators from across the state and they discussed many options.
The Vermont-based “We Care Elementary” and “Sexual Abuse Free Environment for Teens” were brought up and it was on the list Pennsylvania Department of Education approved programs. She also discovered the PPC staff were trained to implement these resources and had a grant to administer the lessons for free. Delmonaco, after reviewing the materials, suggested working with the PPC, Weller agreed and made the school board aware in 2021.
“Dr. Weller is absolutely correct that the board did have full knowledge of her intention to implement this program with our students,” school board president Joseph McFadden said in an email earlier this week. “The board members did not show or vocalize any objections to the direction being discussed.”
According to a timeline provided by Weller, the program was implemented in the fall of 2021. A letter went out to parents and was posted on the social media. No parents or guardians opted their children out of the classes at that time.
In April 2022, according to Weller, the district received concerns from parents about a particular lesson pertaining to sexuality in a sixth grade lesson. Weller said she informed the board of the parents’ concerns. During the next board work session a few days later suggestions were made to improve communications with parents about the lessons. Weller and Delmonaco admitted the language in the letter to parents was vague and they worked to improve the letter with more details.
In May 2022, parents of 10 students opted their child out of the lessons involving sexuality and gender.
In January 2023, one of the students, the child of Dan and Devin Aaron was not pulled from the class. Devin Aaron said she and her husband were upset that their wishes, expressed verbally, were not granted. Weller admitted the school made an error and have since added more layers to hopefully insure the error doesn’t happen again. She said the school apologized to the Aarons, who confirmed they received an apology from the school’s principal.
Since then the small group put together a lengthy PowerPoint given during the February meeting. The presentation included their frustrations over what they feel was a lack of transparency about the "curriculum" and the fact that administrators implemented the program within the district. Devin Aaron later created the private Facebook group "Concerned Parents and Taxpayer of OCASD" in early March and they currently have 94 members.
Curriculum or not
The topic rose to the public's view again in February when the Aarons, two other parents objected to what was characterized by local media as “controversial” curriculum that Weller “unilaterally” approved.
Devin Aaron said “the root of our concern continues to be lost. There is a point when school’s are overstepping and pushing their agenda. It is the parents’ decision and right to have these discussions with their children. It doesn’t belong in public school.”
Weller doesn’t disagree that parents should be involved, but not every student under the district’s care has such a home life. She pointed to the fact there are over 60 students who are considered “unaccompanied youth,” a designation for students who do not have a biological parent or court appointed guardian in the picture, as one illustration that not every home is the same.
Devin Aaron says she understands not every home is the same, but still doesn't believe the lesson belong in school and wants more transparency so they can decide their child's needs.
Weller and Delmonaco say they want parents and guardians to be involved and believe they are being transparent. They are also admitting they can do better and are working on further ways to improve communication with parents and guardians.
McFadden said the board was aware of the program and that Weller and her staff have their confidence. Weller and Delmonaco also provided evidence documenting how on several occasions they gave opportunities to the public and staff to better understand the resource material used by the district.
They emphasized the district must make decisions in the interest of students coming from extremely varied backgrounds, lived experiences, and parental involvement.
Delmonaco and Weller pointed to the ever-changing demographics, statistics and infiltration of modern technology at virtually every kids’ fingertips. “Over past couple of years we were seeing an increase of reported sexual abuse of our students, we were seeing an increase in suicide and depression and some mental health concerns. We’re seeing an increase in students utilizing technology in inappropriate ways,” Delmonaco explained. “So we knew that that stuff was going on and we had discussions to be progressive in addressing those issues. My job is to make sure I’m addressing all kids regardless of their backgrounds, or their religion affiliations. And that I’m creating equitable opportunities.”
Weller agreed and pointed out that of the district’s nearly 1,900 students, all who have their own unique background and story.
She referred to a lesson she learned years ago from an administrator in the district. “You can’t put your middle-class values on everybody and expect that they had the same life experience that you did,” Weller quoted. “I think that’s hard for people to understand the differences of A to Z of how our students are living their lives.”
Next steps
The Oil City school board meets again at 7 p.m. Monday, March 20, among the items listed on the work session agenda are four speakers, who indicated they would like to discuss the topic further.
Devin Aaron is among those listed. “They (the administration) knows there are parents that are not ok with gender ideology and sexual expression lessons going on with children in elementary school,” she said. “This type of discussion needs to happen at home.”
Weller acknowledged some concerns have been voiced but indicated only two families have expressed concerns and that of the 10 students who were opted out of the lessons last year, only four have been opted out this year.
On March 13, the curriculum committee held a public meeting to discuss what the district can and will do moving forward. Curriculum chair Mark Kerr indicated he’ll suggest the district puts out additional inquiries on education alternatives to see what comes back.
Though she thinks the Pennsylvania Department of Education approved resources they already have in place are good, Weller thinks this is a step forward. “If there are other programs that we should consider, bring them to us, present and… we don’t have to use this particular healthy relationships project. If there is one that is a better fit, bring it on, that would be great.”
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