Residents urge board to keep GSA clubs out of middle schools, urge literacy focus

Several community members used the board’s public comment period to press the King George County School Board on student clubs and academic performance.

Scott Neer, who said he has been a King George resident for 24 years, told the board he opposes bringing GSA activities into the middle school. “I don't believe the middle school is that level of developmental, for the children to make that determination,” Neer said, arguing GSA presence introduces what he called a “political agenda.” Brian Ingram made similar remarks, saying that while GSAs might be appropriate in high school, he urged the board to keep them out of the middle-school level for now.

Pastor Sherman Davis used his time to read from scripture and framed his remarks as a moral appeal to protect children. “...protecting our children is the most important thing,” he said.

Separately, Carrie Gonzales (Dahlgren District) urged sustained attention to academic performance and literacy. She cited national indicators, saying “a whopping 40 percent of American fourth graders are below basic reading level” and pointing to a 2024 average ACT score of 19.4; she urged the board to monitor the impact of recent state literacy legislation and other interventions.

Board members thanked speakers for engaging and said they will continue to consider constituent concerns as part of broader curriculum and policy discussions. No formal board action on clubs or library materials was taken during the meeting; public comment was recorded for the record and will inform future discussion.