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Parents and PTO urge Winthrop School Board to pause policy revisions on transgender students
Summary
Multiple Winthrop residents and the PTO urged the board to delay or rescind a March 4 motion directing revisions to policy JB, warning it could contradict the Maine Human Rights Act, expose the district to litigation, and cost taxpayers; speakers asked the board to wait for the citizen initiative and for administration input.
Several Winthrop residents and the Winthrop Parent Teacher Organization asked the Winthrop School Board on Monday evening to pause or rescind a March 4 motion that directed the superintendent to draft revisions to policy JB governing transgender students.
Whitney Khan, a Winthrop parent who said she recently applied for the open board seat, told the board she believes the motion "asks the superintendent to walk those commitments back" and urged the board to "make a motion under Robert's Rules to rescind the motion made during your March 4th meeting directing the superintendent to revise district policies in a manner that contradicts Maine state law." Khan warned that litigation exposure could fall on taxpayers and said staff time and funds were already being spent on a revision she described as contrary to state law.
Kat Hoy, a resident, said the current district policy JB complies with the Maine Human Rights Act and that altering it to exclude transgender students would be "fiscally and legally irresponsible." Hoy said legal counsel had advised postponing policy changes and noted that a citizen initiative about school sports participation and facilities by sex was moving toward the November ballot.
Other public speakers made similar requests to delay policy changes. Julie McFarland urged the board to wait until the citizen initiative and election conclude before acting. Bethany Truen, speaking for the Winthrop PTO, said taking early action "will potentially be on the November ballot" and that moving before voters decide "will cost the district and taxpayers money." David Hughes, a Winthrop resident and foster parent, also advised waiting for the referendum and said uncertainty about insurance coverage for lawsuits is a real risk.
Superintendent Dr. Foley told the board that a motion to dismiss had been filed March 6 in suits involving other districts named by the Maine Human Rights Commission and that signatures to place a citizens'initiative on the ballot appear sufficient. The superintendent also noted the statewide litigation context while the board weighs next steps.
The board did not vote to rescind the March 4 motion at Monday's meeting. Board members and staff agreed to add further discussion of policy JB to a future agenda and requested that administrators provide input on current policies and implementation before any further board action. Chair and other members emphasized following proper notice and process for agenda items going forward.
What happens next: The board instructed administration and the policy committee to prepare information for a future public meeting. No formal policy change or rescind motion was adopted at this meeting.
