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Residents urge protections for transgender students, oppose vouchers and press for expanded special education supports
Summary
During public comment, residents called on the district to safeguard LGBTQ+ students from curriculum changes they called ‘whitewashing,’ urged resistance to school vouchers that could divert funding, highlighted gaps in special education services, and proposed expanded community partnerships and supports for immigrant families.
Several residents used the board’s citizens‑comment period to press the district on a range of equity and student‑support issues.
Laurie Mares, president of PFLAG Plymouth Canton, urged the district not to acquiesce to external pressures she said were seeking to erase transgender people from history curricula and asked administrators to act against transphobia and racism. "Please take action to correct transphobia, homophobia, and racism," Mares said.
Rachel Hayes (CAPEs) urged the board to oppose voucher policies that would redirect public dollars to private schools without equivalent transparency or mandated services for students with disabilities. "Vouchers take public education dollars and redirect them to private schools that are not required to serve every child," Hayes said, warning of increased financial pressure on public districts.
Several other speakers highlighted specific needs and offers of partnership: Brian Jaeger, a parent of a student in special education, pressed for sustained attention to special‑education outcomes and retention; Casey Brandt described a grant‑funded Foster Grandparent program funded through AmeriCorps and MDHHS that places seniors in classrooms; Michelle Mustakas urged proactive outreach and resources for immigrant families and trainings that help families navigate rights and supports when parents are detained.
Board members and administrators acknowledged the comments and indicated the administration will follow up with individuals. The superintendent reiterated the district’s overall performance profile and committed to continued work on demographic group outcomes and outreach.
