Henry Schmitt, a parent active at Pittsburgh Rogers 6-8 in Garfield, said the Pittsburgh Public Schools would be foolish to omit chemistry from the science curriculum or reading from the communications curriculum.

Therefore, Mr. Schmitt told the school board last night, the district shouldn't continue omitting comprehensive sex education from its health curriculum.

Mr. Schmitt was one of at least 20 residents at the board's monthly public hearing who supported the administration's proposal to move from an abstinence-only sex-education curriculum to a "comprehensive" program, encompassing discussion of abstinence, contraception, alternative lifestyles and other sometimes-controversial subjects.

The district has said that it would not distribute contraceptives or demonstrate their use. And, as Mr. Schmitt noted, parents would have the option of removing children from sex-ed classes.

"No one will be forced to have their children exposed to ideas they may disagree with," he said.

Administrators proposed the policy change Feb. 3, and the board is scheduled to vote next Tuesday.

Among those speaking in favor of the change were two doctors and representatives of the NAACP, the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force and the women's group New Voices Pittsburgh. Supporters, who peppered their remarks with anecdotes about having "the talk" with their children, said they believe the district's students would be safer if better informed about sex.

"This policy will lead to a substantial change in the knowledge and health of our students," said Terri Klein, a Squirrel Hill resident who last year circulated a petition --which nearly 720 signed--demanding a comprehensive sex-ed curriculum. Anything less, she said, is like teaching fire safety without mention of fire extinguishers.

In the minority last night was Brookline parent Renee Lau, who said the district would threaten children's innocence with a more explicit sex-ed program.

"This is a matter that should be kept in the hands and guidance of our parents," she said, noting parents already must contend with messages sent by television and music.