Winthrop residents urge school board to delay proposed changes to transgender-student policy

Whitney Khan, a Winthrop parent, asked the Winthrop School Board to rescind a March 4 motion directing the superintendent to draft changes to Policy JB, arguing the proposed revisions would contradict Maine law and could draw the district into litigation that taxpayers would ultimately fund.

"The motion passed on March 4th asks the superintendent to walk those commitments back," Khan said, urging the board to use Robert's Rules to rescind the earlier direction. She warned that the district has already cut a teacher position and that drafting and defending a contrary policy would divert staff time and funds from students.

Several other speakers made similar points. Kat Hoy called drafting policy changes that would remove rights for transgender students ‘‘fiscally and legally irresponsible,’’ saying the current Policy JB complies with the Maine Human Rights Act and school administrators report no current problems with bathroom or locker-room policies. Julie McFarland and Bethany Truen, representing parents and the Winthrop Parent Teacher Organization, asked the board to wait until a statewide citizen initiative or legislation clarifies the law and to avoid incurring litigation costs before the November vote.

David Hughes, a Winthrop graduate and foster parent, urged patience with the pending referendum and cautioned about practical effects on locker rooms and foster placements if the district moves ahead prematurely. Multiple speakers said that other Maine districts adopting similar policies face lawsuits by the Maine Human Rights Commission and that litigation costs may not be covered by district insurance.

Superintendent Dr. Foley told the board she had presented the proposed FY27 budget to the town council and provided a legal update: a motion to dismiss in the cases involving several districts was filed March 6 by counsel representing the districts. She also confirmed that enough signatures have been collected to place a citizen initiative on the November ballot.

The public comment period concluded without the board taking immediate action on Policy JB. Board members said they will add further discussion to a future agenda, and the policy committee flagged questions about Policy JB that the public may follow up on; Dr. Foley and the chair indicated administration input will be sought before any further action.

Next steps: the board is expected to place further discussion of Policy JB on a future agenda so staff can provide implementation input and the public can continue to weigh in; a citizen initiative on related issues may appear on the November ballot.