It was very disconcerting to read, in the June 14 article, “Cony reproductive health plan OK’d,” that this “health plan” passed and would include junior high students, obviously, some could be as young as 12 years old.

By this vote, the school board is giving its stamp of approval for students to engage in premarital sex. No matter how much the board protests to the contrary, that’s the bottom line. It’s unfortunate, too, that some parents acquiesce in this matter and will defer their responsibility to family planning “professionals.”

A remark the principal made to board member, Kim Martin, also disturbs me. Martin was concerned that “sometimes kids need access to those things, who have parents that are going to say no.” However, Cony Principal Kim Silsby reassured her saying, “This is a starting point … then you could decide to go a different way with accessibility.”

If the “health plan” vote is just a “starting point,” where does it all end? Who will be responsible for the young people who may suffer physical and emotional damage from experiencing too much too soon? Family Planning? The school?

Larry Ringrose was the only school board member with the good judgment to vote against this measure. He said that those services are already available in the community, and school officials should focus on academics. Too bad his common sense didn’t prevail.

Pat Truman

Hallowell

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