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Public commenters accuse Carlsbad Unified of hiding parental-notification practices; speaker says he will sue
Summary
During public comment trustees heard allegations that the district has a gender-support plan instructing staff to withhold information from parents, and one speaker said he plans to file a lawsuit under Education Code 35145.5; the board approved a resolution naming November Parent Involvement Month 5-0 but did not immediately change policy.
During the Nov. 20 public-comment period several residents praised district educators, and one speaker used his time to allege the district maintains a gender-support plan that instructs staff to withhold information from parents and that the policy presents risks to students and the district.
Scott Davidson said the district has a gender-support plan with a "checkbox telling teachers to keep secrets from parents," and said he will file a lawsuit to force compliance with Education Code 35145.5. "I was really hoping that this would be the last time I would have to see this superintendent and this board but I guess not — I'll see you again in court," Davidson said during his three-minute public comment.
The board did not take immediate policy action in response to the allegation. Trustees proceeded to adopt Resolution No. 13-24/25 designating November as Parent Involvement Month by unanimous vote.
Other public commenters used their time to highlight volunteer-led student events, PTA activities and to thank departing trustees and staff. Katherine Clancy criticized board leadership and urged trustees to select a superintendent who will 'serve all students' and listen to parents' concerns.
Why it matters: Allegations that a district policy withholds information from parents raise questions about parental-notification practices and legal compliance. The speaker cited Education Code 35145.5 and referenced prior litigation in other districts; the board did not provide a detailed rebuttal or policy clarification during the meeting.
What’s next: The speaker indicated he plans to file suit. The board did not set a specific follow-up during the meeting; any formal complaint or legal filing would be a separate public record.
