Board hears plan for guest speakers on sex education at Park High School; members discuss sensitivity

During the March 9 meeting Mr. Jones told the Ohio County Board of Education that the district has scheduled two guest speakers at Wheeling Park High School to address students during developmental guidance time. The state police are scheduled to speak to boys and Harmony House to speak to girls at 9:00 a.m. about sex, abortion and related topics.

Mr. Jones said the talks will occur during the students' DG (developmental guidance) period and asked that someone from the board attend. Other members noted the material could be personal and sensitive and encouraged board involvement and staff oversight. One member said, "If people read what was talked about it's going to have to open up a conversation," and urged a board presence to be available for follow-up.

Board members discussed logistics briefly, including timing and coverage for the sessions, and agreed to monitor how the presentations proceed. No formal action was taken; the announcement was informational and scheduled for the upcoming week.

The board also discussed several upcoming meetings including a public hearing on March 23 and regular meetings March 23 and April 13.

The board did not record a formal vote on the guest-speaker plan; staff will coordinate with schools and the presenters about schedules and attendance.