A discussion regarding a proposed transgender and gender non-conforming students policy was the focus for much of the Neenah Joint School District Board of Education meeting on August 4.
Several open forum speakers offered comments all in support of the policy and the presentation offered that the policy is to reinforce the practices already in place in the District. Several staff members and an advisor who helped develop the policy answered questions during the Board discussion.
The Board seemed mostly supportive of the plan, but did offer concerns about having students permitted to use the locker room consistent with their gender identity and/or expression. There was also a concern about not being required to notify parents when students express interest in changing their gender identity. The plan will be voted upon at the August 18 meeting.
The Board also approved the academic standards for the next two school years and approved an independent hearing officer to oversee expulsions for the upcoming year.
In personnel changes, Kelsey Smith was hired to teach cross categorical at Coolidge, Jeff Minten was approved for operations at the high school, Andrea Grassl will be an educational assistant at Washington and Laura Roberts resigned as a teacher at Spring Road.
Dr. Mary Pfeiffer gave updates to the school re-entry plan in the superintendent report and answered questions from the Board. She said parents of 92 percent of District students responded to the survey for their choice of learning this fall. Over 80 percent selected the in-person learning option.
|