SPRINGBORO -- A policy that would allow teachers to talk openly about controversial topics, like creationism, is stirring up its own controversy in Springboro.
Tuesday night wasn't the first time parents raised their voices to board members about bringing creationism into the classroom, but it is the first time the board has started to change their tune.
"It's not about teaching anything other than a debate, on both sides or all sides of controversial issues," said Kelly Kohls, Springboro Community School Board President.
She says the controversial topic policy on the agenda is not about teaching but more about helping students learn how to think critically.
"Science has many, many theories, and I think we want to help them decide, where are you, where does science need to go and maybe they'll become the scientist that answers some of these questions," said Kohls.
In a packed board meeting, she argues that maybe the wording of the policy was wrong, and asks parents for their opinions.
"Our job is then to help the district decide what's a part of their curriculum based on that feedback," she said.
And parents' opinions on the policy are strong.
"I believe in creationism, I just don't believe it's the right place to be taught in a public school," said Lisa Babb, a concerned Springboro parent.
Babb is one of many who have spoken out against the proposed policy.
"It's my responsibility as a parent, and it's the church I choose to attend's responsibility to teach religion and part of that is creationism," said Babb.
She's hoping by voicing her concerns, the board will stay out of it.
"Let the teachers, the professionals do what they're supposed to do and do it in a proper way," said Babb.
The proposed policy has yet to be voted on. Kohls says it won't be until at least the end of summer.
Earlier coverage:
SPRINGBORO -- A hot debate continues in Springboro.
School board members are expected to talk about bringing creationism into the classrooms, yet again.
While some parents agree with the board, others are just fed up that the issue is back.
"Creationism belongs in the church. Teach math and science in school and creationism in church," said Jan Vomacka.
Vomacka is tired of having to fight to keep religious teachings out of the classroom.
"I don't think that we should be imposing that on all students because every religion may have different beliefs and I just don't find it appropriate Ina public school setting," she said.
"I think that sometimes having a good debate and open exchange of ideas is a useful thing," said John Ulrich.
Springboro board members would agree.
This is the second time in two years they've tried to bring creationism into the schools.
This time, it's part of a controversial topic policy, which they believe will help students think critically. Some parents agree.
"If we have one point of view and we only teach one point of view it's good for indoctrination but it's not necessarily good for teaching critical thought," said Ulrich.
Board members will not be voting on the policy Tuesday night.
In fact, they won't be voting on it for a while because they hope to get more community input.
Tuesday night wasn't the first time parents raised their voices to board members about bringing creationism into the classroom, but it is the first time the board has started to change their tune.
"It's not about teaching anything other than a debate, on both sides or all sides of controversial issues," said Kelly Kohls, Springboro Community School Board President.
She says the controversial topic policy on the agenda is not about teaching but more about helping students learn how to think critically.
"Science has many, many theories, and I think we want to help them decide, where are you, where does science need to go and maybe they'll become the scientist that answers some of these questions," said Kohls.
In a packed board meeting, she argues that maybe the wording of the policy was wrong, and asks parents for their opinions.
"Our job is then to help the district decide what's a part of their curriculum based on that feedback," she said.
And parents' opinions on the policy are strong.
"I believe in creationism, I just don't believe it's the right place to be taught in a public school," said Lisa Babb, a concerned Springboro parent.
Babb is one of many who have spoken out against the proposed policy.
"It's my responsibility as a parent, and it's the church I choose to attend's responsibility to teach religion and part of that is creationism," said Babb.
She's hoping by voicing her concerns, the board will stay out of it.
"Let the teachers, the professionals do what they're supposed to do and do it in a proper way," said Babb.
The proposed policy has yet to be voted on. Kohls says it won't be until at least the end of summer.
Earlier coverage:
SPRINGBORO -- A hot debate continues in Springboro.
School board members are expected to talk about bringing creationism into the classrooms, yet again.
While some parents agree with the board, others are just fed up that the issue is back.
"Creationism belongs in the church. Teach math and science in school and creationism in church," said Jan Vomacka.
Vomacka is tired of having to fight to keep religious teachings out of the classroom.
"I don't think that we should be imposing that on all students because every religion may have different beliefs and I just don't find it appropriate Ina public school setting," she said.
"I think that sometimes having a good debate and open exchange of ideas is a useful thing," said John Ulrich.
Springboro board members would agree.
This is the second time in two years they've tried to bring creationism into the schools.
This time, it's part of a controversial topic policy, which they believe will help students think critically. Some parents agree.
"If we have one point of view and we only teach one point of view it's good for indoctrination but it's not necessarily good for teaching critical thought," said Ulrich.
Board members will not be voting on the policy Tuesday night.
In fact, they won't be voting on it for a while because they hope to get more community input.