[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6623493,"mediaKeyId","2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc","parentId",2769834,"title","Residents urge Darien Board to retain gender identity protections in district policy","audioSeconds",1455,"startMs",787000,"endMs",2242000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc&start=787&end=2242","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc/thumbnail_787000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6623493/Connecticut/Residents-urge-Darien-Board-to-retain-gender-identity-protections-in-district-policy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623493-3652260dcf07909c536277af6c6c90ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212188&Signature=bYDzhOPnHqBUOw9RZaaVal1ULE5mJ8a3eX8HANXLoJaqVYmi7Q1hTW5O9pAYY6g9-smAowlEmJSwpPOVpAFiCTv5nju3Uhv~bLIUNKttOJ0HNEnc5HSCxwYypCcNMmXwmUpE70cAHUj17ikIQSJT4XrldzOZs3I1ZiwHUvgejqkPK7P8lBRjJ9kHvZMjmtnHcxhto9yhbIEVqtTZe9m6CYfD16XSaJYmaSSWhX8uFxi0x52I7QwirAvcLaB0z~T3akIPo4Ug~woElRjfijBZxePiuZC6sSjxiKRXph4gL4neLgRnkM3QlUtCfwvjikkLQxRGH33eMQ3LJIfQ4rGdIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Darien School District","date","2025-03-26T02:26:26.25Z","article","Dozens of parents, students and community members urged the Darien Board of Education on March 26 to keep gender identity and gender expression listed as protected classes in the district's harassment and nondiscrimination policies.

Speakers told the board they were alarmed that the district was considering removing those protections and said doing so would risk the safety and mental health of LGBTQ+ students. Several referenced town and state survey results and national data to make their case.

The comments came during the meeting's public-comment period and ranged from personal testimony about bullying to appeals to follow Connecticut law. Kate Havoc, a Darien resident who identified herself as an ally, said she was 'embarrassed' that the community was 'judging whether people belong here for who they are' and urged the board to protect all students. Dan Guller cited the 2023 Thriving Youth task-force survey, noting higher rates of bullying and suicidal ideation among local teens who identify as LGBTQ+. Rebecca Relyea described repeated harassment she faced in school and specifically asked the board to 'adopt the Connecticut Title IX protected classes' so that students 'whose gender identity and expression is different from their peers' would be covered.

Other speakers included parents and student-athlete captains who linked the school's duty to protect students with broader mental-health concerns. Christie O'Hagan said Connecticut law already requires these protections and called attempts to remove them 'wildly immoral.' Tom Holly Thomas, who identified as a trans woman and local volunteer advocate, described longstanding bullying and suicide attempts she experienced and warned that removing protections would worsen risks for young people.

Board discussion later in the meeting focused on legal complexity rather than immediate policy changes. Board counsel and outside counsel (Shipman & Goodman) were cited in a memo reviewing conflicting federal and state guidance. Members said the law is unsettled: the state has issued guidance emphasizing compliance with Connecticut law while federal Title IX guidance and recent executive actions have created uncertainty.

Board members said they want current legal advice before taking a final vote. \"If you follow counsel's guidance, you rarely get yourself into trouble,\" one board member said, and another urged caution because court rulings and administrative guidance are still evolving. Several members noted the administrative recommendation and the need to reconcile state certification obligations with any federal preemption questions.

The board did not vote on changes to its nondiscrimination policy at the March 26 meeting. Policy committee members said they will continue reviewing counsel's research and expected further committee and board discussion in April.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of parents, students and community members urged the Darien Board of Education on March 26 to keep gender identity and gender expression listed as protected classes in the district's harassment and nondiscrimination policies.","taxTitle","Darien School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",55224,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6623472,"Votes at a glance: Darien Board approves budget transfers, gifts policy and sets graduation date",6335,2362000,8697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc&start=2362&end=8697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc/thumbnail_2362000.jpg","/articles/6623472/Connecticut/Votes-at-a-glance-Darien-Board-approves-budget-transfers-gifts-policy-and-sets-graduation-date","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623472-fdcd00e7f683f84d1b955d67fd520d82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212188&Signature=aF7f5bLkkUy4N6EpWA9NxHZ0Bfq3nPS85ivRsesR98XKxXKQ7aXTmySdaHg5J7WLxLJnwUQhikooacbH~ZxoBpSfbBqXlzBK5htGx6wzpU2oY65iK~BK2B7--jN8nOaJkSSBMx5ogCeNemnOGIlUQ1xdsA7q6b2WoBetvLEaz2yyS3GFeBtTNoS8dHP~yJoBBdaosJGgc650TNYPz8C5Mdehzn3nv2y5AYBEYhbHPCaGoWFVa6NuJsaPKBh-dmseKlMAvQgli15ilkyT1W1CzpyZi0m29OlcVLkdTnDEJMKeFtshz~QEUls2erHhsw0KqYuDvlflUfikSSZRunZosA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its March 26 meeting the Darien Board of Education recorded several formal votes and unanimous outcomes on agenda items.

- Graduation date: The board voted unanimously to set Darien High School graduation for Monday, June 16, 2025, with no separate rain date; motion moved by John and seconded by Sarah.

- Budget transfers (February): The board unanimously approved two budget transfers recommended by finance staff: $98,000 into consultant services for special education (from out-of-district tuition) and $30,009.75 from tuition to cover lost tuition revenue for newly classified students.

- Gifts policy: The board approved revisions to board policy 5-1-6-0 (gifts) at second reading; the motion passed unanimously.

- Minutes and procedural motions: The board approved minutes of the Feb. 25 special and regular meetings as amended and approved routine procedural motions (agenda reordering and adjournment) by unanimous votes as recorded in the minutes.

Text of motions, movers and seconds are recorded in the official meeting minutes and in the transcript. Where names were recorded in the transcript, the mover and seconder are listed; in other cases the motion outcome is recorded without roll-call breakdown when not provided in the public transcript.","Key votes at the March 26 Board of Education meeting: unanimous approval to set graduation for June 16, unanimous approval of two budget transfers, and unanimous approval of revisions to the gifts policy. Several other procedural motions were also approved.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6623481,"Board approves February budget transfers; finance staff outline options for year-end surplus and a non-lapsing account",183,6493000,6676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc&start=6493&end=6676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc/thumbnail_6493000.jpg","/articles/6623481/Connecticut/Board-approves-February-budget-transfers-finance-staff-outline-options-for-year-end-surplus-and-a-non-lapsing-account","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623481-c2ae146317a5f91ee4177e55f4030f8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212188&Signature=A9GFWha5Ha0gSmwrv-hA1-tkLAaeG~XzbL2m4ZyUkiUMLpuazmPf-fChsO2C~NLDbC1XyJhZ9dmCia3rdobFGPl8ZiM7Gp1vl~r1cAts54OgNbtMKxpHgH~trrE7vNXPF04fjDZ3fsUJU3BoS8oRekLhh-H6ryG4c9n3U7tF5vDZjK0jPENDFfQhc2vrUS7G2X4cJE5SOCvVX4mNVB7ATRHvPCB16S1s1zl7vdV9u9uTqWtmgzeUZ9hD1D9Nel2RSG-MhGBigoT60OYCzuIV5-0AKifFhzOVFBsE2AmWzpdQMo86Qr6apDgiWCxIw99GccvhA4dgQpzudGq-V5KC8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Darien Board of Education approved proposed budget transfers for February and discussed options for any projected year-end surplus at its March 26 meeting.

Finance director Rich reported the district's forecast through February showed a projected positive balance of $462,859. Major drivers included an increase in state excess-cost reimbursement following the governor's action to add $40 million to that fund. Rich summarized salary and operating variances and said revenue swings were largely tied to updated excess-cost payments.

The board voted unanimously to approve two transfers: $98,000 into consultant services for special education (from out-of-district tuition lines) and $30,009.75 from tuition to cover lost tuition revenue for newly classified students.

Board members then reviewed options for any end-of-year surplus. Finance staff described the practical choices: (1) pre-purchase nonrecurring items (technology, textbooks, uniform replacements) that were deferred in the FY26 budget, (2) return surplus to the town, or (3) establish a non-lapsing (non-lapsed) account and place surplus funds there for identified one-time uses. Counsel and staff noted that, under Public Act provisions taking effect July 1, the Board of Education may establish and fund a non-lapsing account, subject to statutory caps (typically 2% of the appropriation).

Board members stressed the need to avoid using one-time funds for recurring staff costs and asked for further analysis. The finance committee will reconvene in May with a clearer end-of-year figure and a prioritized list of potential pre-purchases and recommendations about a non-lapsing account.","The board approved two budget transfers for special-education consultant services and lost tuition revenue, and finance staff outlined a projected positive balance and options for year-end use of surplus funds including pre-purchases or establishment of a non-lapsing account under new state law.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6623484,"District presents spring mental-health update; emphasizes MTSS, professional learning and grants",1269,2465000,3734000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc&start=2465&end=3734","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc/thumbnail_2465000.jpg","/articles/6623484/Connecticut/District-presents-spring-mental-health-update-emphasizes-MTSS-professional-learning-and-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623484-399cb7e23644c9a02090c094b4bdd41d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212188&Signature=YcUAQSi~Cr3-RyQxmJHq6VaHAfQjWxJGNH3JZzXba7UeTuP~-Wy2TzD2VXTa5TJXAy3ZDkdmiOcwJu9n6aF6ijYQl7ZnEWrAlVLuxHFCGegAJHhG4OP9QsSadGXcuVO88FnfIOukREY0EdslXhiN6x0fdAQzJaNYelymNrDjJmPJaoDQXxyFLEIS7EplqaKkEPFrDLEPAOald9V2B4ZBa49BcqBrqLdAkjYvi-0QJixqdcIFCwD7F5sqLHvEPD3eokHr8Qxl4z6Y8ygOfi4j86vcUWkUofwubZugSeUtRHHyzypgRNpyQlMMWYZZ3zI~~XsvUIRNU~if8yRpbDMg0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff delivered a detailed spring update on mental-health and wellness initiatives at the March 26 Darien Board of Education meeting, describing a multi-pronged approach that combines school-wide systems, staff professional learning, student programs and community partnerships.

The presentation, led by Dr. Dan (district mental-health staff), framed mental health as integral to learning and described steps to align practice with the district strategic plan and state accreditation standards. Key items included development of a K'12 Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) leadership committee; screening and data collection plans (academic and social-emotional measures such as AIMSweb and DESSA/DESA); and school-level MTSS self-assessments that will inform short- and long-term goals.

Professional learning highlights included district sessions on restorative practices, emotion-regulation strategies and dialectical behavior principles; a summer mental-health grant that funded targeted DBT-based training; and recent training on school refusal interventions for counselors and psychologists. The presenter noted all teachers had some exposure to restorative-practices training and 92 teachers responded to a needs survey that informed PD topics.

Student-facing programs described included Teen Talk counseling, the wellness center, and Sources of Strength, a peer-to-peer program the presenter said is linked in recent research to a 29% reduction in suicide attempts in schools using the model. The district reported improvements on recent school climate measures: higher connection to trusted adults, increased awareness of support options, and decreases in reported anxiety and depression in some metrics. The Thriving Youth survey (administered in February) will be reported out in more detail at a future meeting.

The presenter outlined several grant awards and applications: a Hope to Healing suicide-prevention grant (up to $10,000 every three years), a summer mental-health grant (originally $92,000) and a mental-health specialist grant ($126,000). He also said the district applied for an additional $10,000 summer-grant extension. Next steps include refining MTSS metrics, revising school climate and bullying policies, finalizing risk-assessment procedures, continuing professional learning, and family engagement events.

Board members asked about measurable objectives and timelines for tracking impact. The presenter recommended combining quantitative screening (attendance, nurse visits, DESSA scores) with qualitative information from advisory and student voice, and agreed to develop quarterly strategic updates tied to selected metrics. Board members also urged clearer public communication about the programs and noted the district has begun publishing stage-1 curriculum documents for high-school health education.","District staff presented a spring update on mental-health and wellness initiatives including MTSS rollout, professional development on restorative practices and DBT principles, the Sources of Strength peer program, Teen Talk and wellness center activity, and several grants totaling more than $200,000 supporting training and services.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6623489,"Board sets Darien High School graduation for Monday, June 16; board cites athlete conflicts and logistics",4433,1295000,5728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc&start=1295&end=5728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769834-1347c43a91fcbae302b5a97fbd5989cc/thumbnail_1295000.jpg","/articles/6623489/Connecticut/Board-sets-Darien-High-School-graduation-for-Monday-June-16-board-cites-athlete-conflicts-and-logistics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623489-b9ab78195f6d1c179ebf7b47c14bf401/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212188&Signature=DimLW1htS5mceliRvri2EJQppWWSdVQaplox9v4ynWZuphfWyfeT3rS5LI7BOcP1AVCK9rXv~xOTY8otXUdCXorlV9U-xSOwbmiZTSm4TfaS4eiZac5aip9MTiGqXqXnatofY2OjBOLAuDXq8tQ6R7UDThhb-3ig01zK2jsT1tMpqQ-y6meI1OOnl7P0hAje4A44qNQvjMmNJu9e0jjG-oIJwhmmJnzU7L7lou6kFQCLHXPKIFODLOc5ODUEhrNDk28HPn9eE5ncgQXTE7y4c58smx-TmeB9Wd7Fb6MbVx2ENbdb-R4hhGjorqh2MBzLQV4LThVRnkexxQICxvd~sQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Darien Board of Education voted unanimously March 26 to hold Darien High School's graduation on Monday, June 16, rather than the previously listed June 12 date with a rain makeup.

The decision followed more than an hour of public comment by student athletes, parents and coaches who described multiple conflicts between the earlier graduation dates and state championship schedules. Parents and captains from boys and girls lacrosse, rowing, volleyball, baseball and other teams said the June 12'14 window put seniors in the position of choosing between competing for state titles and attending their own commencement.

Parent Laura Bremer said the proposed June 12 date would force many student athletes to miss graduation and requested moving the ceremony to the last day of school, June 16. Student speakers from multiple teams described long seasons and the disruption the earlier date would cause to both preparation and family participation.

School leaders and board members discussed the tradeoffs. The district noted that some CIAC (Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference) schedules could be moved if a team advances into certain rounds; others observed that many championship competitions were scheduled on weekends. Financial and logistical considerations were also cited: the district estimated about $4,000 in additional cost to retain a rain-date setup (audio-visual, seating, extra staff) and noted that if the ceremony is moved indoors due to weather, fewer guests can attend.

After discussion, a motion to set the date for Monday, June 16 (without an extra rain date) passed unanimously; John moved, Sarah seconded. Board leaders said they will communicate the date to families immediately and work with athletic directors and CIAC if teams advance. The district also said it will work to accommodate students who cannot attend because of competitions.

Board members and administrators emphasized the goal of allowing as many students as possible to participate in commencement while balancing practical constraints such as vendor availability and staff schedules.","After hearing from student athletes and parents about conflicts with state championship schedules, the Darien Board of Education voted unanimously to set high school graduation for Monday, June 16, with no separate rain date; if weather forces an indoor ceremony the same day will be held inside.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge Darien Board to retain gender identity protections in district policy

Votes at a glance: Darien Board approves budget transfers, gifts policy and sets graduation date

Board approves February budget transfers; finance staff outline options for year-end surplus and a non-lapsing account

District presents spring mental-health update; emphasizes MTSS, professional learning and grants

Board sets Darien High School graduation for Monday, June 16; board cites athlete conflicts and logistics