The devout Christian and Spring-Ford Area School Board member believes so strongly about this issue that he recently voted against purchasing new science books that teach students only evolution and leave out other possible explanations for life on Earth.

"I've been pretty much brought up a Christian," said Donofrio, "and I think that public schools need to take a few steps forward and take a look at a couple other things, like creationism.

"I don't want to eliminate anything, just add new choices for the students."

Donofrio, and board member Daniel Galaska, were the only people opposed to purchasing the three high school science texts. Galaska cited several "glaring errors" throughout two of the books as his reason for not supporting the purchase.

"The knowledge we impart on children in the textbooks stays with them forever," Galaska said at a recent board meeting.

"Since I was 12 years old, I always questioned and was never thrilled with the theory of evolution on life existing back millions or even billions of years ago," Donofrio said. "I feel that there should be critical thinking in the science professions to teach students that there could be other theories to learn about.

"After reading over the Pennsylvania State Board of Education's science proposal and watching a video, I don't have a good feeling of what is being taught or proposed to be taught throughout the public schools in Pennsylvania."

Adding to his case, Donofrio explained that there are scientific studies available that reveal that students who are exposed to only evolution in school are more likely to become pregnant, commit murder, and engage in more instances of bullying.

"A lot of parents have taken their children out of public schools because of this," he said. "And I'm not alone. There are other people out there, other Christians, or maybe not, who believe in what I'm saying."

The longtime member of the Valley Forge Baptist Church in Upper Providence said, "There's a congregation of 1,000 members there who all believe with what I'm saying and there's definitely more out there."

The textbooks were recommended for the board's approval by a committee of district science teachers and comply with state standards, according Spring-Ford Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Marsha R. Hurda.

While the majority of the board disagreed with the minority's idea not to approve the new books, school director Martha Block said they should be "sensitive to other board members' beliefs and points of view."

"I know there are people who are going to scoff at what I'm saying," Donofrio added, "and that's fine. Maybe someday, if more people like myself join boards, things will be different."

John Gentzel's e-mail address is jgentzel@pottsmerc.com