An unsuccessful appeal of a book by Rochester resident Sandra Bock was heard by the Rochester School Committee at its February 28 public meeting.

            Referencing Policy IJR regarding Reconsideration of Instructional Resources, Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson explained that the book “It Feels Good to be Yourself” by Teresa Thorn had been appealed by Bock to the library standards committee and the school library.

            The standards committee, he said, voted unanimously to uphold the decision to continue to carry the book in the Rochester Memorial School Library. Nelson then met with Bock to hear her concerns and upheld the decision of the standards committee. Bock then appealed the Rochester School Committee.

            Once the decision is made, instructed Nelson, the policy dictates that reconsideration of the book in question should not occur for the next three years. The committee would vote to uphold the decision to include the book in the RMS library but not unanimously.

            “I just want to say compromise, that’s what I’m stressing for … this world needs to compromise more,” said Bock, who considered the outcome of her appeal to be a complete refusal to reach a compromise. “Maybe I didn’t present my case forceful enough, but I am adamant about the damage that this book will instill in youth in the days, the weeks, the months to come. … If indoctrination is a matter of teaching ideology, it’s wrong when it misleads students.”

            Bock, who classifies herself as a career educator, asserted that the book in question misleads children by instructing that there are more than two biological genders.

            “That’s a fact!” said Bock. “The book says your parents guessed at what you were when you were born. … Kids who have a weak sense of identity tend to be more likely and therefore more successfully brainwashed. The indoctrinated thinking is stated throughout the book until there is acceptance of it without question.”

            Bock cited professional criticism of the book from Dr. Jason Rafferty, MD (helpingchildren.org), whom she says puts the onus for developing children’s identity is the job of the family, not educators.

            Bock considers the indoctrination of children into the ideology espoused by the book appealed a form of discrimination. She appealed to the School Committee to compromise by keeping the book off the library shelves and “behind the scenes” or in the adjustment counselor’s office. She asked the committee to consider the topic of gender confusion sensitive and not appropriate for an elementary school “where educators are not licensed to answer questions of young children.”

            Bock insisted that children with access to the book will seek answers as to its meaning from their teachers. “Teachers are influencers, they know everything (in the minds of young learners),” she said.

            As an educator, Bock said she has vetted many books that affirmed imagination but not fiction.

At the conclusion of Bock’s remarks, Committee Chairperson Sharon Hartley reminded meeting attendees a process exists whereby parents and guardians who wish that their children not have access to a particular book can talk to the librarian.

            “We respect our parents, and a parent can request that a student not read or see a certain book, not follow a certain book or a certain collection of books or an author,” said Hartley. “Those are possible through the work of our really talented and terrific librarians.”

            Interrupted with a question from the audience as to how that works, Hartley acknowledged the merit of the question but said the committee was in the middle of a public hearing and public comment would be offered attendees at the end of the meeting agenda.

            With that, Hartley invited comment from committee members, and Anne Fernandes asked how parents know what books are in their children’s school libraries. Nelson confirmed that the library catalogue is posted on the ORR District website.

            Member Robin Rounseville said the book has been through the vetting process. “I feel strongly that this book should remain accessible in the library,” said Rounseville. “In terms of a compromise, I believe that a compromise is there. If you do not want your child to see this book, then you have the ability to inform the librarian.”

            Rounseville said she read the book and read all the submitted public comments and estimated them to be “about 50-50.”

            Hartley supported Rounseville’s comments and said the criteria and the established process was adhered to.

            Citing ORR’s Responsive Classroom protocols for age-appropriate education, Fernandes said the book is geared toward ages four to eight but considers it inappropriate for RMS students.

            “I’ll put that right out there,” said Fernandes. “If it were up to me, I wouldn’t have it in the library at all – period. But I think having a compromise about where the book might be placed …” Fernandes considered the librarian’s desk and the social worker’s office as appropriate options.

            Nelson clarified that opting out by a parent is a “practice” but not “policy” per se. Hartley said when librarians have spoken at public gatherings about other books in recent years, they have emphasized the parents’ ability to opt out for their children.

            Member Kate Duggan asked if a student reads a book and has questions, how would that be handled in school. Nelson said it would be handled on a case-by-case basis. RMS Principal Heide Letendre said the first move would be to consult with the parents.

            Attending the meeting remotely, member Jason Chisholm pointed to the consistency of the committee in leaning on its experts.

            “I appreciate the concerns, I appreciate the perspectives. At the same time, I think what we probably don’t talk enough about is that, as parents, we are responsible for our children, and we should definitely recognize the influence that we have in our own households and in the messaging … morals … and the expectations that we set for our children,” said Chisholm. “While I appreciate that there are outside influences, I think everybody in this community should take some time and think about what are the conversations that you are having with your children, what are the expectations that you are setting within your household, and how confident are you that your voice is one of the loudest voices that your children are hearing?”

            Chisholm concluded his remarks by qualifying his apparent lack of an opinion on the appealed book by stating his belief that parents who feel threatened by the potential for outside influences diminishing their own voice in their children’s minds have a far greater problem to address than what’s on the library shelves.

            He did side with the viewpoint that the compromise exists in the parents’ right to opt out for their children but also recommended that it be better communicated to the community.

            “I’m prepared to support the professionals that we have in this school to make these decisions,” he said.

            With that, the committee voted 4-1 to keep the book in the library.

            Fernandes, the lone no vote, restated her position that the committee’s decision is inherently conflictual with the theory and practice of ORR’s Responsive Classroom.

            During the Public Comment section of the meeting, Michelle Cusolito read a letter cosigned by 500 people into the record supporting the reading and not the banning of books.

            Michael Kovacevich, an adjustment counselor, addressed the meeting, saying that those going through gender-identity issues, had nothing at their disposal 10 or 20 years ago. He said the book is not being forced on anyone but is a resource for those who experience confusion.

            Jeff Costa, who has a daughter at RMS, said it is a shame that a parent needs to second-guess their school system. He said gender identity should be brought up in the home.

            Jim Ramsey said he had braces and was relentlessly bullied and has zero tolerance for bullying. “I also believe it’s a parent’s job to deal with their children’s problems as they see fit,” he said, qualifying his remark to confine school to traditional learning but not about physical differences.

            Amanda Costa, self-identified as Jeff Costa’s wife, urged everyone to read the book through the lens of a four or five-year old.

            As an expert on molecular biology, Isabelle Gomes-McMahon reinforced the need for compromise.

            Kathy Rusinoski asked if a list of questioned books is published by the school in its student handbook and said most parents are unaware of what their children are able to access at school.

            After hearing details from Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber, the committee voted unanimously to award the bus contract to Amaral Bus Company.

            The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, at Rochester Memorial School, and the next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, at ORR Jr. High School. The meetings begin at 6:30 pm, are streamed live via Zoom and recorded by ORCTV.

Rochester School Committee

By Mick Colageo

            Marion Board of Health member Albin Johnson described watching a YouTube video of a beautician “scarifying” skin as part of the process of creating eyebrows to be “an eye opener.”

            Johnson was discussing Health Agent Shallyn Rodriguez’s idea that pencils in beauty salons and tattoo parlors be used in this technique only once and noted prior agreement among board members that the town should write a regulation and propose it to state health officials.

            “No pun intended, it really is an eye-opener, but it’s worth following up. Hepatitis C, particularly, you never know. Whatever viruses are out there, we’re getting more and more nervous about it. It’s certainly worth talking about. … I’m surprised the state hasn’t,” said Dr. John Howard, who was acting as chairman of the March 7 Board of Health meeting in Dr. Ed Hoffer’s absence.

            Taking on the task of composing a municipal regulation, Rodriguez reported that her outreach to surrounding towns to inform her process yielded little. Nonetheless, she recognizes a need.

            “It’s definitely something that I think needs to be done because – you don’t see it a lot around here, a lot of body art. And towns don’t realize the impact that pencils actually have,” said Rodriguez. “You’re putting the pencil on someone’s skin, you don’t know what type of skin condition they have. Just because you don’t see it, it doesn’t mean it’s not there.”

            Johnson wondered aloud if it is possible to sanitize a pencil by sharpening it or to sanitize a pencil sharpener. Rodriguez and Health Director Lori Desmarais were in agreement that the tiny, contaminated particles present make either outcome unrealistic.

            “There’s got to be some infectious-disease expert at Mass General or the Brigham who would have a very strong opinion,” Howard suggested.

            Two Marion-based establishments practice the use of “scarifying” skin and use pencils in the process similar to a standard technique practiced by tattoo artists.

            “On our agenda for (March 21), we have the public hearing to amend the body-art regulations,” said Desmarais.

            Along with the usage of pencils in contact with human skin, the public hearing will address permitting, which is currently timed two years out from the date of issuance. The new regulation would align these annual permit renewals on the same December 31 schedule kept for all other town-issued permits.

            In her update, Desmarais reported that the recommendation came down at the end of February for an additional dose of the current COVID-19 vaccine in people ages 65 and older. Howard advised Desmarais to purchase vaccine to be ready for any requests in accordance with the recommendation.

            Howard found interesting the CDC report that flu immunizations were reported at 67% successful in pediatric cases and 40-41% for adults in terms of avoiding outpatient visits or hospitalization.

            “That number may not sound great, but it’s better than in previous years,” said Howard.

            Desmarais further reported that among Marion residents who tested positive for the flu this season, none had shown record of immunization.

            Plymouth County Mosquito Control recorded 321 requests (total 150 Marion households) for spraying in 2023. That number was down from 531 (222) in 2022.

            This year, Desmarais has helped conduct 338 Community EMS visits, monitoring blood pressure among other things and reporting to family members. Howard reported “very positive” feedback and what he sees as an increasing need, calling it “a huge service.”

            Having attended recent state seminars, Johnson reasserted his position as a self-described skeptic regarding the state’s program to rid the harbors of nitrogen and noted confirmation from the Buzzards Bay Coalition that there has been no testing of groundwater for nitrogen on the mainland side of the Cape Cod Canal.

            The Final Septic Betterment Agreement contract has been received and was to be presented to the Select Board the week of the meeting. There are no current applicants, but the process has been legally vetted and is now in place.

            According to Desmarais, the previous owner at 38 Rocky Knook Lane was told that an approved Title 5 system would be required or the existing septic system on the property must be pumped. Desmarais reported that she learned that the system was never pumped, but she obtained contact information for new owner Designer Home Properties LLC and sent a letter requesting pumping records or that the owner contact the department within seven days to resolve the situation.

            An installer was hired to install a new system and a percolation test was done, but results were not forthcoming as of the March 7 meeting. It is not known if anyone is living on the property.

            Regarding 51 Bay Road, Rodriguez obtained pumping records that show it has been three years since the septic at that address has been pumped in accordance with Title 5 recommendation.

            Due for a food inspection, Brew Fish restaurant was being renovated.

            Rodriguez reported on the Seven-11 under renovation at 711 Mill Street; she said she will go back to ensure all the required upgrades are completed.

            The board received a message from a Select Board member to relay to the public that not cleaning up after a dog can result in the spread of disease. Marion has two dog-bag dispensers situated at both Silvershell Beach and Washburn Park and one at Bicentennial Park, Old Landing, Island Wharf and the Cushing Community Center.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, at 4:45 pm at the Town House Annex Building.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo