"My question was, 'Where are we?'" the Rev. Rob Rollins asked his fellow school board members Monday, regarding the sex education curriculum.

Silence was his answer.

After months of debate, the board decided to put off the decision, citing pending legislation in the North Carolina General Assembly and the upcoming meeting of Healthy Ansonians, where the group will decide on an action plan to address teen pregnancy.

This problem, along with obesity, were cited as the two most serious health problems facing the county, and consequently the problems that should be addressed in the Community Health Assessment released in January by the group and the Anson County Health Department.

The board decided to create an ad-hoc group consisting of three members each from Healthy Ansonians, the Health Advisory Council and the school board. The three members from the board will be Rollins, Jacqueline Huntley and chairwoman Lisa Davis.

Beverly Getzen spoke her mind on the issue during public comment.

"Failure to make a decision is a decision," she said. She said the people of the county want to hear about positive steps being taken by the board.

Before any changes may be made to the sex education curriculum, the law requires a public hearing.

The board also passed a resolution honoring the late M.R. Bell, citing her faithfulness in carrying out her duties over more than 20 years on the school board.

While several board members confirmed Bell's seat had been filled in closed session, they said the information could not be released until the person was notified.

The information was not available in time for print.