bryan eichfeld

Hellertown resident Bryan Eichfeld, shown here at a Saucon Valley School Board meeting in October 2009.

(Express-Times File Photo | CYNTHIA UNDERHILL)

Calling an environmental science textbook's global warming chapter propaganda, Saucon Valley School Board Director Bryan Eichfeld pushed the board tonight to supplement the book with "true science."

"Your science," Director Sandra Miller replied.

Eichfeld's motion failed to garner any support tonight from his fellow directors, who objected to interfering in curriculum decisions.

Eichfeld broached the topic tonight because the board was voting to approve an honors environmental science book titled "Environmental Science," which is published by Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt. The board approved the book with only Eichfeld objecting.

"There's a lot of clear propaganda... in this chapter that's based on bad science," Eichfeld said.

Superintendent Sandra Fellin called the textbook a resource that's been vetted by the science department.

"The books here this evening match our curriculum," Fellin said.

The topic of global warming can bring up strong personal beliefs, she said, but she reminded the board they were voting on textbooks, not issues.

Eichfeld suggested the science department review the curriculum and produce an attachment to the book providing students with scientific evidence and data challenging the "global warming claims in the book," he said.

"So our children are getting a balance," Eichfeld said.

Miller said she never expected a board member to try to shape curriculum based on a specific ideological stance or point of view. She trusts the science department to implement curriculum that aligns with state standards and district educational goals, she said.

"It's not appropriate for us to be going down this road," Miller said.

Director Ralph Puerta said he was extremely uncomfortable with Eichfeld's suggestion, noting students have access to a wealth of information beyond textbooks.

"I feel like we are teaching our students how to think," Puerta said.

Eichfeld invited Bethlehem resident Paul Saunders, a chemical engineer, who Eichfeld called a "local expert on the deceptions of global warming alarmists." The board debated allowing Saunders to address them since Saunders is not a district resident.

Eichfeld provided the board with Saunders' detailed review of the textbook's global warming chapter with supporting research. Saunders refuted the textbook stating that increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will cause global temperatures to rise. He argued there has been no increase in global temperatures for the past 18 years despite a major increase in carbon dioxide.

"The book deceives," Saunders said.

While Eichfeld may liken Saunders to an expert, Miller said she does not believe he is one, although she meant no offense. Saucon must rely on the experts in its own school, Miller said.

Director Charles Bartolet questioned Saunders credentials and education. After learning he was a chemical engineer, Bartolet said, "That's a little far off climate."

Lower Saucon Township resident Cedric Dettmar said he objected to someone outside the district coming in and telling the community how to educate its children.