By Beth Seay
Staff Writer
Following a presentation by the students, SHAC members voted to attend the May 29 school board meeting in Nantahala to petition the board for a change in the county’s sex education program. The group supports a comprehensive sex ed program, which is abstinence based, but includes other material. Ten North Carolina counties have comprehensive sex ed programs, including Jackson and Buncombe Counties in western North Carolina.
The SHAC is a state-required board that consists of eight components, according to school nurse Jennifer Garrett. Each school is required to form a SHAC, she said. The eight components are: health education, health services, family and community, child nutrition, safe schools, mental health, physical education and worksite wellness.
Garrett said the group of about 35 people meets monthly to discuss issues relating to student health. They discuss issues and work to solve problems or recommend changes. The group supports sharing of resources rather than duplication of services. Garrett explained that the SHAC does not make policy, only recommendations for changes.
The Sexy Abs program, spearheaded by Franklin High School senior Jess Martin as her senior project and developed by a team of students, was meant to be presented to middle school students before the end of the year. Martin and Kaitlyn McGee went before the school board at the April meeting to discuss the program, but later learned that Superintendent Daniel Brigman made a unilateral decision not to allow the program to proceed. The program was not allowed to come before the board for a vote, and several school board members expressed frustration that they were not even allowed to discuss the program in detail.
Martin said the group looked at the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and decided to focus their efforts on one of the top risky behaviors mentioned, sexual activity among teens. Martin said alcohol and drug use is typically addressed with teens. She pointed out that between 15 and 20 girls are currently pregnant at Franklin High School.
Martin said that the group stayed in communication with FHS Principal Gary Shields, Macon Middle School Principal Todd Gibbs and Brigman as the program was being developed. They relied on information from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Macon County Health Department, along with national information programs.
Group member Maleah Cousineau said they wanted to focus on middle schoolers to stop risky behaviors before they start. She said one in four sexually active teens will get a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Caleb Hunter said the group planned to share informative posters and postcards, including sending a postcard about the program to parents. Robert Mullins pointed out that the group planned a parents’ night, where their skits and information would be presented to parents to get feedback and permission to present the program to their children.
Naomi Edmonds told SHAC members about the skit they had written. She said it discusses familiar situations and how to deal with them. For instance, there is a scene regarding drinking at a party and how drinking can impair your judgement. Some information on STDs was also included.
Martin said that while the subject has been controversial, “We are not afraid of controversy.” She said the Sexy Abs group wants to be the voice for the pregnant teen, for the teen who’s gotten into trouble. “We want the children of Macon County to be as educated and safe as possible.”
SHAC member Anne Hyder, Assistant Director of the Macon County Health Department, praised the group of teens, saying they had conducted themselves with dignity and put in a lot of hard work. Garrett joined in the praise, pointing out that the group focused on self-esteem, not just the sex education portion of the program. “They took it very seriously, and I am proud of every single one.”
School board member Roberta Swank told the students that while they might not have gotten what they wanted accomplished, but told them they “have planted a seed.”
“Just because you are right doesn’t mean the world is going to jump on your bandwagon,” Swank said.
School nurse Rita Esterwood asked if the program could be presented to other groups, such as church youth groups.
Dr. Charles Vargas said he hoped the template the students developed “can remain for future years when the administration and the system catch up with you.”
“This is character education of the highest order,” Vargas continued.