Marlboro fails state review after rejecting curriculum on teaching genitalia to third graders
Marlboro, NJ – A New Jersey school district received a failing mark on a key portion of a state evaluation after refusing to include lessons on human genitalia for eight-year-old students, according to recently released Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) results.
The Marlboro Township Public School District lost points in the “Instruction and Program” section of the state’s QSAC review, which measures compliance with New Jersey Department of Education curriculum standards.
District officials have stated that they declined to implement a portion of the state-mandated health curriculum citing concerns from parents about age-appropriate content.
Curriculum dispute triggers state downgrade
Superintendent Dr. Eric Hibbs said the district intentionally withheld certain anatomy lessons for third graders after community members voiced objections. The curriculum, approved by the state in 2020, includes content on reproductive body parts, puberty, and gender identity beginning in lower elementary grades.
Dr. Hibbs told the board that the district’s decision was based on feedback from families who believed such topics were not suitable for young children. The choice, however, placed Marlboro out of alignment with state standards and led to a reduced QSAC score in instructional compliance.
Parents divided over content requirements
Many parents applauded the district’s stance, saying the state curriculum crossed a line. Others argued that withholding the lessons prevents children from receiving accurate health information. The disagreement reflects a broader statewide debate over New Jersey’s comprehensive health standards, which were revised to emphasize inclusivity and early education on anatomy and gender.
State standards remain mandatory
Under the QSAC system, all public school districts are evaluated in five areas: Instruction and Program, Personnel, Fiscal Management, Governance, and Operations. A low score in one area can trigger additional state oversight or require corrective action plans.
The New Jersey Department of Education has not indicated whether Marlboro will face further monitoring but emphasized that compliance with curriculum standards is mandatory. The district can submit a revised plan to regain compliance in future evaluations.
Community response intensifies
At recent board meetings, residents filled the auditorium to debate the curriculum, with speakers on both sides urging officials either to stand firm or restore full compliance to avoid state intervention. Some parents warned that the loss of points could affect the district’s reputation, while others maintained that local control should outweigh state mandates.
State education officials are expected to release updated QSAC guidance later this fall. Those updates most likely won’t change this year, and would not change over the next four-years under Governor Mikie Sherrill should she win in November.