Parents Raise Concerns About Transgender Kids

Parents have been speaking up at recent Board of Education meetings about a variety of problems, going back to security concerns stemming from the February shootings in Parkland, Florida.

At the May meeting, Greg Jerolman, a parent, called out the board on problems such as lying, bullying, and school safety. Bullying problems have been discussed at length by the board and one case led to a lawsuit.

And at last week’s meeting, held at Branford High School, another group of parents, led by Christy (who requested that her last name not be used) addressed the board about her fifth request for their comments on the need for training staff in transgender issues. She read a statement that said parents are worried about kids being teased and that teachers are ​“hanging kids out to dry.” It was her first public statement on the issue.

She added that one child has left Walsh Intermediate School due to the ​“hostile environment” and another was crying in the nurse’s office.

Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) policy 5145.53 specifically addresses procedures for the protection of transgender and gender non-conforming youth. ​“Federal and state law and District policy require that all programs, activities, and employment practices be free from discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. This policy is designed in keeping with these mandates to create a safe learning environment for all students and to ensure that every student has equal access to all school programs and activities… In all cases, the goal is to ensure the safety, comfort, and healthy development of the transgender or gender non-conforming student while maximizing the student’s social integration and minimizing stigmatization of the student.”

In most aspects of school life, transgender students must be addressed by the gender by which they identify.

The superintendent must provide staff training in gender identity issues sensitivity and developmentally age-appropriate training for students.

Christy asked the board for a written response to her concerns, indicating she had yet to receive one. As is its policy at regular public meetings, the board did not offer a public response.

Superintendent’s Presentation

“We have work to do,” acknowledged Schools Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez in his report, State of the School District 2018. ​“We won’t shy away from that. It’s how you address challenges.

” We just heard this evening that we have some work to do, from the perspective of one parent, who’s here with five or six other parents…so we recognize that perhaps there is some work that needs to be done in that area,” said Hernandez.

Overall, however, Hernandez presented an optimistic picture of the district. ​“We’re outpacing national stats on growth in a collaborative learning environment,” he said. He said that year three of the Strategic Success Plan has been completed using the coaching model. ​“A well-supported teacher yields better outcomes for students.”

The most recent Strategic Success Plan, directed by Allison Gwyn Zmuda, focused on English Language Arts, Math, and Science. The next plan will focus on World Language.

Hernandez said that the current enrollment is 2,892, but the demographics are changing. The most recent stats show the following: 2,183 White; 308 Hispanic/Latino of any race; 209 Asian; 110 Black; 74 two or more races; 8 American Indian; and 0 Pacific Islander.

There’s been an increase in the number of students receiving free and reduced lunches, which now stands at 34 percent, and an increase in high needs students, to 39.2 percent. English Language Learners are 4.3 percent of the school population.

There’s ​“good performance” despite those numbers, he said.

Within the Pre‑K program, Hernandez said there will be a greater emphasis on play/readiness, rather than academics, as a way of encouraging social and emotional growth. ​“When children feel they are in a good place socially and emotional, they are less likely to act out,” he said.

Regarding connectivity, Hernandez reported that while most families are connected via hand-held devices and that there is one-to-one access to Chromebooks at Walsh (and thus they don’t need their phones), there needs to be better access between home and school – kids can’t do homework on hand-held devices.

In terms of discipline (both indoor and outdoor), Hernandez said that the numbers within the district are down, from 457 in 2013 – 2014 to 362 in 2017 – 2018; they did reach a low of 327 in 2016 – 2017. ​“We would need refresher training… can we do better?” He recommended practices to help student behavior over time.

Board members offered some information they’d like to see included in the final report, including graduation rates, after school activities, sports participation, and music and art.

Walsh Update

Hernandez said that the school grounds at Walsh are now closed as configuration of the new parking areas and access; fencing has been installed. Abatement is taking place in the industrial arts area; that part of the building will be detached in preparation for demolition. Once the parking and driveway are completed, a show and tell with a bus will take place.

Awards presented

Assistant Superintendent Anthony Buono (pictured), who is leaving the district for a position in Westport was honored with a plaque and a chair by the board. Chair Michael Krause said, ​“We are losing a very good person, who is part of the team that has improved the district. I’m proud to be a part of helping you grow.”

Hernandez said that Buono was a ​“person of high quality character, one of the finest people I’ve served with.”

“I’m privileged and honored to work with this amazing staff,” Buono said. ​“Thank you for the opportunity.”

Rachel Sexton has been hired as assistant superintendent, beginning Aug. 1. She has been enrolled in the Advanced Official Certification Program at Central Connecticut State University and was affiliated with Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES).

The board also presented Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Leadership Awards to Caroline Spaulding (Walsh), Bridget Wirtz (Branford High School), and Ethan Piazza (Walsh). (James Hamilton, BHS, was unable to attend). They are flanked by BOE member and CABE representative John Prins, Krause, and Hernandez.

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