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Parent urges Oyster River board to address gender disparities in high-school awards and performance
Summary
Keith O'Brien, a Lee resident and parent, told the board he has tracked gender disparities at the high school—including that girls received roughly 73% of awards in 2024 and 65% in 2025—and asked the district to pursue meaningful study and action.
Keith O'Brien, a Lee resident and parent of two high-school students, used the public-comment period at the Jan. 6 Oyster River school board meeting to press the district to address what he described as a persistent gender gap in academic awards and National Honor Society representation at the high school.
"For the past year and a half, I have been corresponding with and meeting with Dr. Shaps and Miss Noi to discuss gender disparities in academic performance at the high school," O'Brien said. He cited district data and award-night observations, saying that girls received the “vast majority” of recognitions—"73% of them in 2024, 65% last year"—and that National Honor Society membership is composed roughly 70% by girls year to year.
O'Brien said he has discussed the matter with teachers and guidance counselors and urged the board and administration to move beyond study to action if the patterns persist. He described himself as "a partner in this finding a solution" and emphasized support for the schools and for both boys and girls.
Board members did not take an immediate action at the meeting but acknowledged the comment and indicated they expected follow-up discussions with administration.
O'Brien's comment was delivered during the public-comment portion at the start of the Jan. 6 meeting.
