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Grandville band-camp chaperone defends protocols after board discussion of incident
Summary
Beth Leggett, a Grandville resident and band-camp chaperone, told the Board of Education that chaperones followed district protocol at band camp and that an uncomfortable incident resulted from a single student's poor choice, not lax procedures.
Beth Leggett, who identified herself as a Grandville resident and band-camp chaperone, used the public-comment period to explain chaperone protocols and defend the district’s actions after an incident discussed at a prior meeting.
Leggett described the housing and supervision arrangements used during band camp: students who identified as transgender were housed on the dorm wing corresponding to the sex assigned at birth, were given single rooms and private bathrooms, and chaperones used key-card access to limit movement between wings. She said chaperones conducted nightly checks, used a piece of tape over room doors to verify occupants and met each night with staff and band directors to coordinate care and follow-up.
"Band camp followed GPS protocols," Leggett said, using the district acronym. She added that the situation she referenced occurred because "one particular student" made a poor choice and that the protocols and chaperone vigilance were intended to protect all students. Leggett said chaperones provided emotional support, basic first aid and encouragement throughout the week.
She called for the board and leadership to balance respect, protection and care for all students as they determine next steps and said she will pray for students, families and staff during the process.
No board action followed the comment; the public-comment period closed and the meeting adjourned.
