Parents and former board member urge reconsideration after district moves Pride walk outside school day

Two community members told the Middleton‑Cross Plains Area School District board Monday that moving a student Pride walk out of the school day diminished visibility for LGBTQ students and increased vulnerability.

Jan Bridal Coughlin, a retired district teacher, described going to support students who had expected a daytime Pride walk at Cromry: "They spoke over and over and over again about how grateful they were that there was some community support," she said, then added that students were "so grateful" but also disappointed by the schedule change. Coughlin said a former student who loved theater later died by suicide and that lack of acceptance played a role in that outcome.

Laura Crow, a former school board member and current West Middleton Elementary staff member, told the board that the change was driven by staff concerns and was reviewed with the district legal team. "There was never any conversation about canceling the event," Crow said. She argued that "good intent is not the same as neutral or good impact" and urged the board to ensure district policies on student speech and inclusion are followed. Crow cited district policy "55 20" in discussing student First Amendment rights and limits.

Superintendent Dana Menog told the board she and other administrators had tried to explain the decision and had included front matter in the survey and materials to clarify how a continuation referendum would work. Menog and other administrators said the timing change was intended to protect students from disruption while balancing legal and safety concerns.

Board members did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting. Several members acknowledged the emotional nature of the remarks and recommended continued discussion with staff, students and legal counsel. The matter may return to policy or administration for follow‑up.