Policy to protect children on the agenda THIS Tues SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIALS IN SCHOOL LIBRARIES Policy 6-65 (document found here) on the School Board agenda THIS Tuesday, May 23rd.
PLEASE EMAIL THE SCHOOL BOARD AND TELL THEM TO PROTECT CHILDREN BY VOTING "YES" TO POLICY 6-65: SchoolBoard@vbcpsboard.com. Please also sign up to speak (either in person or virtually) at this link. It is imperative that children be protected from harm in schools. Materials that contain sexually explicit content can cause lasting trauma for children or even re-traumatization of children who have been victims of sexual assault. Examples of content that can be found in VB school libraries are found at this link. These materials include descriptions and/or pictures of masturbation, oral sex, pedophilia, sadomasochism, detailed descriptions of rape and more. Under this policy, these materials will be prohibited in VB Elementary Schools. While many believe these materials also do not belong in middle and high schools, this policy will not prohibit parents from allowing their own children to have access to these materials. However, since many parents are not aware that these graphic explicit materials are present in school libraries, it is imperative that all parents be notified. Those parents who do not want their children to have access to these materials can then make that decision to opt out their children from this harmful content. This is a reasonable policy that gives parents a choice. Here is a summary of the policy: --Sexually Explicit is defined in the policy using state laws. It does not include books such as Captain Underpants, biology books, the statue of David, or the breast on the Virginia Flag --Sexually Explicit materials will not be purchased nor free materials put into the libraries of VB Elementary schools --Sexually Explicit materials will remain in Middle and High Schools but parents can make a challenge of materials and if deemed sexually explicit based on the definition under state code, the materials will remain be will also be put on a list and notification made to parents. The materials will NOT be removed nor put in a separate section. --New Sexually Explicit materials purchased or received by Middle or High Schools, will be placed on a list of materials to indicate sexually explicit content and parents will be notified and provided the ability to opt-out.  The School Board is currently meeting weekly regarding the budget. On 2/21 we will have another workshop and then on 2/28 we will have another workshop as well as a formal meeting. If you wish to provide input to the board regarding the budget, please email: SchoolBoard@vbcpsboard.com. This year's budget will see another record year of spending (over $1.1 Billion). This budget proposal would provide over $17,000 per pupil. As you can see, VBCPS lost over 3000 students over COVID that never returned. I am also providing a detailed line item budget of how the money is being proposed to be spent by the Superintendent. Ultimately, it is the final decision of a majority on the School Board if we will approve the Superintendent's proposal or make amendments. The overview of the Superintendents Budget proposal can be found here. DETAILED LINE-ITEM FY 2024 SCHOOL BUDGET |
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| fy24_detailed_budget.xlsx |
PROOF THAT VBCPS IS KEEPING SECRETS FROM PARENTS
The document below was received from VA Beach Schools through a FOIA request by a parent.
We now live in a world where people scream censorship to keep pornographic books in schools, but try to push censorship of language of simple words such as King/Queen Mr/Miss.
We now live in a world where a public school cannot give Tylenol to a child without a parent permission slip but can hide health related gender and mental health issues and overnight sleeping arrangements from parents (see attached documents).
This VBCPS document below references "gender based housing for overnight leadership workshops". It tells staff to reference a "guiding questions document". That document was also received through a FOIA request and is shown below.
HIDING INFO FROM PARENTS-- From the "guiding document" shown below:
If parents/guardians are not aware or affirming of the student’s gender identity, describe how school-home communication will be handled:
Sample Response: Do you want your family to know? Do you need support when telling them? If you do not want them to know or are not ready for them to know, what are some reasons for not telling them? Allow student time to respond.
As a school we will do everything we can to affirm you by using your requested name and/or pronouns. However, when we communicate with your parents/guardians, we will use the name and pronouns used by your parents/guardians. So, if we were to have a conference with them and you were present or if we were to send an email and you were included, we will be using your legal name and the pronouns associated with it. What are your thoughts about that?
VA law states: Code 1-240.1: Rights of parents
A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child.
We now live in a world where people scream censorship to keep pornographic books in schools, but try to push censorship of language of simple words such as King/Queen Mr/Miss.
We now live in a world where a public school cannot give Tylenol to a child without a parent permission slip but can hide health related gender and mental health issues and overnight sleeping arrangements from parents (see attached documents).
This VBCPS document below references "gender based housing for overnight leadership workshops". It tells staff to reference a "guiding questions document". That document was also received through a FOIA request and is shown below.
HIDING INFO FROM PARENTS-- From the "guiding document" shown below:
If parents/guardians are not aware or affirming of the student’s gender identity, describe how school-home communication will be handled:
Sample Response: Do you want your family to know? Do you need support when telling them? If you do not want them to know or are not ready for them to know, what are some reasons for not telling them? Allow student time to respond.
As a school we will do everything we can to affirm you by using your requested name and/or pronouns. However, when we communicate with your parents/guardians, we will use the name and pronouns used by your parents/guardians. So, if we were to have a conference with them and you were present or if we were to send an email and you were included, we will be using your legal name and the pronouns associated with it. What are your thoughts about that?
VA law states: Code 1-240.1: Rights of parents
A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child.
Why do so many people want to continue to try to silence parents???
This is in reference to new information that I just received from the School Board attorney related to how and where the public can gather for expressive activities at our public meetings. This is the first time I have seen or been made aware of the document attached.
The School Board voted (8-3) to require the public to get permission from the Superintendent to gather for expressive activities. The Superintendent/Chief of Staff have told the public that they need to get permission from the School Administration to use the general parking lot (or any other area of the grounds) of the School Administration building for expressive activities. However, that is not the case at all since the School Board doesn't control the general parking lot. Instead, it looks like the public would need to get permission from the city departments to get a permit for use of the general parking lot, unless it is in the designated expressive activity areas designated by the city (see attached document). YET, the public has never been made aware that such expressive activity areas exist!
These areas designated at the School administration building is in the BACK of the building where the public cannot be seen! How can one petition their government when their government can't even see them???
How is the public supposed to know where they can gather for expressive activities when I as a School Board member didn't even know about this new policy that was amended by the city on November 29th that designates expressive activity areas?
Why is the public STILL being told by school administration that they need a facilities use form to be completed to gather for expressive activities?
There is a public meeting in just a few hours. How is the public to know that there are designated areas for expressive activity?
Why do so many people want to make it difficult for the public to exercise their first amendment rights to peaceably assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances??
At this point there is so much confusion about where and how the public can exercise their first amendment right that I believe their first amendment rights are being violated!
This is in reference to new information that I just received from the School Board attorney related to how and where the public can gather for expressive activities at our public meetings. This is the first time I have seen or been made aware of the document attached.
The School Board voted (8-3) to require the public to get permission from the Superintendent to gather for expressive activities. The Superintendent/Chief of Staff have told the public that they need to get permission from the School Administration to use the general parking lot (or any other area of the grounds) of the School Administration building for expressive activities. However, that is not the case at all since the School Board doesn't control the general parking lot. Instead, it looks like the public would need to get permission from the city departments to get a permit for use of the general parking lot, unless it is in the designated expressive activity areas designated by the city (see attached document). YET, the public has never been made aware that such expressive activity areas exist!
These areas designated at the School administration building is in the BACK of the building where the public cannot be seen! How can one petition their government when their government can't even see them???
How is the public supposed to know where they can gather for expressive activities when I as a School Board member didn't even know about this new policy that was amended by the city on November 29th that designates expressive activity areas?
Why is the public STILL being told by school administration that they need a facilities use form to be completed to gather for expressive activities?
There is a public meeting in just a few hours. How is the public to know that there are designated areas for expressive activity?
Why do so many people want to make it difficult for the public to exercise their first amendment rights to peaceably assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances??
At this point there is so much confusion about where and how the public can exercise their first amendment right that I believe their first amendment rights are being violated!
I have received a number of questions related to surveys being conducted in Virginia Beach Schools. I would like to share detailed information regarding one of those surveys that many are asking about.
Under state law 32.1-73.8, government schools are required to cooperate with the distribution and collection of certain surveys.
3 middle schools (Bayside, Landstown, and Salem) and 5 high schools (First Colonial, Green Run, Landstown, Salem, and Tallwood) were randomly selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to participate in the Virginia Youth Survey sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
Some further details about the surveys:
Here are copies of the surveys.
Under state law 32.1-73.8, government schools are required to cooperate with the distribution and collection of certain surveys.
3 middle schools (Bayside, Landstown, and Salem) and 5 high schools (First Colonial, Green Run, Landstown, Salem, and Tallwood) were randomly selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to participate in the Virginia Youth Survey sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
Some further details about the surveys:
- The school division and schools are mandated by the Code of Virginia to participate.
- The survey is voluntary and anonymous for students.
- The survey administration must be completed by November 22.
- The survey includes items about safety, violence (including parental violence and sexual violence), weapons, bullying, suicide, tobacco, alcohol, other drug use, body weight, nutrition, physical activity, sexual behaviors and sexual orientation (high school only), gender identity, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), mental health, and other health-related issues topics.
- As required by School Board Policy 5-67 when surveys address areas of protected information, VBCPS is using an active parental consent process.
- A total of 479 parents of students in classes selected by VDH to participate will be mailed information about the survey and a consent form at least 30 days prior to survey administration.
- Only those students whose parents return a signed consent form giving permission for their child to participate will be administered the survey in mid-November.
Here are copies of the surveys.
High School Survey
Middle School Survey
I was made aware by the media to be on the lookout for sexually explicit materials in our schools. Then I was notified by a parent of some concerning books that were available in our school libraries.
One book is called Gender Queer. Up until this book was brought to light in the media a couple of weeks ago, it was on the shelves in our VA Beach Public Schools. The book is pure pornography. It is a graphic novel so not only does it have sexually explicit language, it provides images of people having oral sex and using sex toys among other images. This book can be currently checked out in the VB Public Libraries. It is my understanding that it is still available to juveniles in the library. It is so explicit that I will not share it here on my website.
The other book also referenced in the media link above is Lawn Boy. This book was also on the shelves of Virginia Beach Schools.
I also discovered that the book "The Bluest Eye" is an approved book to be used in VA Beach High school curriculum. I have the book and have confirmed what is in it. This book in detail describes a father raping his daughter multiple times. Here is a link to one excerpt. (Caution this is disturbing but I believe parents need to be aware of what is available to their children in VB Schools)
I brought these and a couple of other books to the attention of the Superintendent. He told me via email that the book Gender Queer has been permanently removed from the shelves when it was reported to them a couple weeks ago. Lawn Boy has been suspended pending review.
I have called for a review of the process of approving books. I have asked who approved these books and whether or not disciplinary action was taken against whoever approved the book "Gender Queer". I was told that no disciplinary action has been taken and it doesn't appear that it will be.
I have asked the School Board Chair for the topic of Sexually Explicit Books to be added to the School Board agenda on Oct 26th.
One book is called Gender Queer. Up until this book was brought to light in the media a couple of weeks ago, it was on the shelves in our VA Beach Public Schools. The book is pure pornography. It is a graphic novel so not only does it have sexually explicit language, it provides images of people having oral sex and using sex toys among other images. This book can be currently checked out in the VB Public Libraries. It is my understanding that it is still available to juveniles in the library. It is so explicit that I will not share it here on my website.
The other book also referenced in the media link above is Lawn Boy. This book was also on the shelves of Virginia Beach Schools.
I also discovered that the book "The Bluest Eye" is an approved book to be used in VA Beach High school curriculum. I have the book and have confirmed what is in it. This book in detail describes a father raping his daughter multiple times. Here is a link to one excerpt. (Caution this is disturbing but I believe parents need to be aware of what is available to their children in VB Schools)
I brought these and a couple of other books to the attention of the Superintendent. He told me via email that the book Gender Queer has been permanently removed from the shelves when it was reported to them a couple weeks ago. Lawn Boy has been suspended pending review.
I have called for a review of the process of approving books. I have asked who approved these books and whether or not disciplinary action was taken against whoever approved the book "Gender Queer". I was told that no disciplinary action has been taken and it doesn't appear that it will be.
I have asked the School Board Chair for the topic of Sexually Explicit Books to be added to the School Board agenda on Oct 26th.
When the School Board voted to approve allowing the Superintendent to create the regulations for Transgender students (I voted no), I asked why we weren't being provided with those regulations prior to the vote. I was told by our School Board attorney that the SB Chair told her not to make the draft public. I was also told that the Superintendent would inform the public once the regulations were finished.
So, I received an email from our Media Dept that the regulations were completed and would be sent to parents.
Then I received a long "newsletter" and at the bottom in small print it included a link to "policy updates" but never mentioned the transgender policies. When you click on the link it takes you to a confusing page that lists over 50 policy/regulation updates.
As I expected, those in charge just didn't want the public to be informed. Here are the actual regulations that are now being implemented. Read for yourself....
Here is the link that the Supe's office provided in the newsletter: https://www.vbschools.com/about_us/our_leadership/school_board/policies_and_regulations/updates
Summary:
1. Any student can use any restroom or locker room of their choice and staff cannot question it.
2. A student may choose to be called a different name or pronoun without a parent's permission or knowledge.
3. If a student or employee refuses to use a certain pronoun, they could be charged with bullying and harassment. The pronouns that will be used are "he, she, they".
4. Students of the opposite sex may be able to share the same overnight accommodations on overnight trips.
What is the role of the School Board and what is the role of the Superintendent regarding making policy and regulation?
Rather than creating the policies themselves, the School Board on Tuesday voted 7-3 to allow the superintendent to develop regulations to comply with Code of VA 22.1-23.3 and the VDOE's Model Policies for Transgender Students.
Let’s look at law:
Code 22.1-78: A school board may adopt bylaws and regulations NOT inconsistent with state statutes and regulations….
Code 22.1-253.13.7: Each school board (not superintendent) shall ensure that policies are developed giving consideration to the views of teachers, parents and other concerned citizens
Let’s look at the School Board's own by-laws:
By-law 1-31- It is the responsibility of the School Board (not superintendent) to adopt policies for governing schools……. When changes in policy are made, these shall be prepared, notification provided to the public and staff and placed on the division website. It is the obligation of the superintendent and staff to familiarize themselves with and follow School Board policies and regulations. (if superintendent is supposed to familiarize and follow regulations, that would seem to indicate that he isn’t the one who is supposed to create them)
Code 22.1-70 Powers and Duties of the Superintendent…
A division superintendent shall perform such duties as prescribed by law, school board and state board
Policy 2-8 states that the superintendent’s responsibilities shall be enumerated in the Superintendent’s contract. So, let’s look at the contract language related to regulations:
Pg 2 item 7: shall from time to time SUGGEST regulations, policies, rules and procedures. Item 7: shall make RECOMMENDATIONS for needed policy or regulation changes.
Rather than creating the policies themselves, the School Board on Tuesday voted 7-3 to allow the superintendent to develop regulations to comply with Code of VA 22.1-23.3 and the VDOE's Model Policies for Transgender Students.
Let’s look at law:
Code 22.1-78: A school board may adopt bylaws and regulations NOT inconsistent with state statutes and regulations….
Code 22.1-253.13.7: Each school board (not superintendent) shall ensure that policies are developed giving consideration to the views of teachers, parents and other concerned citizens
Let’s look at the School Board's own by-laws:
By-law 1-31- It is the responsibility of the School Board (not superintendent) to adopt policies for governing schools……. When changes in policy are made, these shall be prepared, notification provided to the public and staff and placed on the division website. It is the obligation of the superintendent and staff to familiarize themselves with and follow School Board policies and regulations. (if superintendent is supposed to familiarize and follow regulations, that would seem to indicate that he isn’t the one who is supposed to create them)
Code 22.1-70 Powers and Duties of the Superintendent…
A division superintendent shall perform such duties as prescribed by law, school board and state board
Policy 2-8 states that the superintendent’s responsibilities shall be enumerated in the Superintendent’s contract. So, let’s look at the contract language related to regulations:
Pg 2 item 7: shall from time to time SUGGEST regulations, policies, rules and procedures. Item 7: shall make RECOMMENDATIONS for needed policy or regulation changes.
Watch the meeting live for yourself at 4pm today at this link.
I watched the previous "special" meeting that the PRC held last week and noticed that the chair of the committee was not following the by-laws. She would call for a vote without a motion or even stating what they were voting on. She didn't even call for a vote on every item. I pointed this out to the Chair of the Board and to our attorney, perhaps that is why they have called another "special" meeting.
Apparently this is how they have been operating in other meetings also. The attached agenda shows 120 pages worth of by-laws and policies they want to retake votes on before tomorrow's School Board meeting.
Some of the topics include: the Transgender Policy, limiting access to the public, requiring permits to gather in the parking lot, banning flags aka "cloth symbols" from being brought onto the grounds and into the chambers of our meetings, reduce the amount of time that a speaker can speak,....and more.
I guess it is so important for some Board members to be sure they get these policy and by-law changes on tomorrow's meeting agenda in order to be able silence the public as soon as they can.
My vote would be to stop trying to silence the public. Stop trying to silence other Board members and get on with the business of the students and our fiscal responsibilities as Board members. However, only the Chair and Vice-Chair of the School Board have authority over the agenda so I will just keep swimming upstream to raise awareness about the tyrannical actions that this board continues to bring forward.
I watched the previous "special" meeting that the PRC held last week and noticed that the chair of the committee was not following the by-laws. She would call for a vote without a motion or even stating what they were voting on. She didn't even call for a vote on every item. I pointed this out to the Chair of the Board and to our attorney, perhaps that is why they have called another "special" meeting.
Apparently this is how they have been operating in other meetings also. The attached agenda shows 120 pages worth of by-laws and policies they want to retake votes on before tomorrow's School Board meeting.
Some of the topics include: the Transgender Policy, limiting access to the public, requiring permits to gather in the parking lot, banning flags aka "cloth symbols" from being brought onto the grounds and into the chambers of our meetings, reduce the amount of time that a speaker can speak,....and more.
I guess it is so important for some Board members to be sure they get these policy and by-law changes on tomorrow's meeting agenda in order to be able silence the public as soon as they can.
My vote would be to stop trying to silence the public. Stop trying to silence other Board members and get on with the business of the students and our fiscal responsibilities as Board members. However, only the Chair and Vice-Chair of the School Board have authority over the agenda so I will just keep swimming upstream to raise awareness about the tyrannical actions that this board continues to bring forward.
On Sept 14th, the VB School Board will vote on a policy that could be a violation of state law and the constitution. The actual policy up for a vote can be found here. Please review the flyer created by some concerned parents that details how you can have your voice heard. Please email the board, sign up to speak and attend the rally.
First, there are some items in the VDOE model policy that I support, such as anti-bullying/anti-harassment. However, we have had those policies in place in Va Beach for a while.
Here are some details of concerns with the proposed policy:
Violation of Religious Liberty:
The School Board elected member's oath of office is to uphold the US and Va constitutions
Article 1 Sec 16 VA Constitution Bill of Rights:
No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever…. Nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.
1st Amendment to the US Constitution established the The Free Exercise Clause which gives us the right to worship or not as we choose. The government can't penalize anyone because of their religious beliefs.
The proposed policy/regulation states:
Violation of Parental Rights
Virginia § 1-240.1: Rights of parents. A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child.
Proposed policy/regulation
B. Student name and gender pronouns
1. In accordance with this subsection, students will be allowed to use a name and
gender pronoun that reflects their gender identity without substantiating evidence. (no parental requirement of approval or notification)
2. At the written request of the student or parent/legal guardian of a minor student,
use the name and pronoun that corresponds to the student’s or parent/legal
guardian’s request. The school administration where the student attends school
may request that the request be made in writing and signed by the student or
parent/legal guardian of a minor student.
5. In the situation when parents/legal guardians of minor students (under 18 years of
age) do not agree with the minor student’s request to adopt a new name and/or
pronoun, the student and parent/legal guardian will work with school
administrators to determine how to address the student’s needs. The safety and
welfare as well as the student’s access to educational services and opportunities
should serve as the primary focus. (if a parent doesn’t agree, how will the school force them to “work with the school”?)
Student Privacy
1. Access to all facilities (bathrooms/locker rooms) that correspond to a student's gender identity shall be available to all students.
2. Overnight trips: Students may choose the rooming, bathing, changing facilities that align with the student's gender identity. Students should not be placed into single occupancy accommodations not required for other students. (males and females could be rooming with one another on overnight field trips.)
First, there are some items in the VDOE model policy that I support, such as anti-bullying/anti-harassment. However, we have had those policies in place in Va Beach for a while.
Here are some details of concerns with the proposed policy:
Violation of Religious Liberty:
The School Board elected member's oath of office is to uphold the US and Va constitutions
Article 1 Sec 16 VA Constitution Bill of Rights:
No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever…. Nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.
1st Amendment to the US Constitution established the The Free Exercise Clause which gives us the right to worship or not as we choose. The government can't penalize anyone because of their religious beliefs.
The proposed policy/regulation states:
- Regulation states: The pronouns recognized by the School Division will be: he; she; or they
- Using the term “they” for an individual person is grammatically incorrect. If an employee or student does not believe, based upon their scientific or religious convictions, that there are more than 2 genders and they refuse to use the pronoun “they” for an individual person then the student or employee could be charged with discrimination and harassment.
- Reasonable efforts will be made to inform the person not using the student’s preferred name or pronoun and that compliance with this Regulation and related policies and regulations is required.
- If these regulations are not followed, disciplinary action will take place: The policy states “such action may include disciplining any students using student discipline procedures; disciplining any employees or officials involved using employee discipline procedures; taking appropriate action against School Division agents, volunteers or invitees. So it appears that even parents or volunteers could be faced with actions against them.
Violation of Parental Rights
Virginia § 1-240.1: Rights of parents. A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child.
Proposed policy/regulation
B. Student name and gender pronouns
1. In accordance with this subsection, students will be allowed to use a name and
gender pronoun that reflects their gender identity without substantiating evidence. (no parental requirement of approval or notification)
2. At the written request of the student or parent/legal guardian of a minor student,
use the name and pronoun that corresponds to the student’s or parent/legal
guardian’s request. The school administration where the student attends school
may request that the request be made in writing and signed by the student or
parent/legal guardian of a minor student.
5. In the situation when parents/legal guardians of minor students (under 18 years of
age) do not agree with the minor student’s request to adopt a new name and/or
pronoun, the student and parent/legal guardian will work with school
administrators to determine how to address the student’s needs. The safety and
welfare as well as the student’s access to educational services and opportunities
should serve as the primary focus. (if a parent doesn’t agree, how will the school force them to “work with the school”?)
Student Privacy
1. Access to all facilities (bathrooms/locker rooms) that correspond to a student's gender identity shall be available to all students.
2. Overnight trips: Students may choose the rooming, bathing, changing facilities that align with the student's gender identity. Students should not be placed into single occupancy accommodations not required for other students. (males and females could be rooming with one another on overnight field trips.)
Rather than presenting the transgender policies/regulations to the public two weeks in advance of a vote, the School Board is fast tracking this topic. The public will only have a few days to review, provide input and sign up to speak. Was this done on purpose to keep the public in the dark? (UPDATE: VOTE POSTPONED UNTIL SEPT 14TH)
The School Board is abrogating its responsibility to enact policy to the unelected Superintendent. The School Board will be voting on a policy directing the Superintendent to create a regulation on Transgender policies. Please be aware that the superintendent may change regulations WITHOUT school board approval. Below is the proposed associated policy and regulations.
Items in RED are additions/changes to policy/regulation.
Please sign up to speak at the next school board meeting (either in person or via zoom). Agenda found here.
Email the School Board your thoughts: vbcpsschoolboard@googlegroups.com
The School Board is abrogating its responsibility to enact policy to the unelected Superintendent. The School Board will be voting on a policy directing the Superintendent to create a regulation on Transgender policies. Please be aware that the superintendent may change regulations WITHOUT school board approval. Below is the proposed associated policy and regulations.
Items in RED are additions/changes to policy/regulation.
Please sign up to speak at the next school board meeting (either in person or via zoom). Agenda found here.
Email the School Board your thoughts: vbcpsschoolboard@googlegroups.com
The VDOE created Model Policies for transgender students and local school boards have been told to implement these policies. While there are some positive items in the document (of which the VA Beach Schools Board has already implemented), it is my view that some of these policies violate other laws and the constitution in the area of parental rights.
Lack of transparency: the School Board agenda only indicates that the Board will be voting on "Policy 5-7/Non-Discrimination/Non Harassment of Students. However, the agenda does not provide any supporting documents to the public of what exactly will be voted on. The normal process is for a policy to come before the board for "information" and then for a "vote" at the following meeting. This way the public has enough time to know that it is on the agenda and to provide input. As of 8/19/21, the agenda does NOT provide any additional info. However, I do have the policy 5-7 that will be voted on this Tuesday (it is unfortunate that the Board Chair and Vice Chair appear to be hiding this from the public). You can find a copy of the entire VDOE document here and I am also providing a 2 page summary below.
Contact the School Board and let them know your view point: vbcpsschoolboard@googlegroups.com.
Lack of transparency: the School Board agenda only indicates that the Board will be voting on "Policy 5-7/Non-Discrimination/Non Harassment of Students. However, the agenda does not provide any supporting documents to the public of what exactly will be voted on. The normal process is for a policy to come before the board for "information" and then for a "vote" at the following meeting. This way the public has enough time to know that it is on the agenda and to provide input. As of 8/19/21, the agenda does NOT provide any additional info. However, I do have the policy 5-7 that will be voted on this Tuesday (it is unfortunate that the Board Chair and Vice Chair appear to be hiding this from the public). You can find a copy of the entire VDOE document here and I am also providing a 2 page summary below.
Contact the School Board and let them know your view point: vbcpsschoolboard@googlegroups.com.
The VA Beach School Board will be voting on a policy that directs the Superintendent to create regulations, practices and trainings that comply with the VDOE Model Policies on Transgender students. While there are some positive items in the document such as anti-bullying policies, there are also policies that take away parental rights and student rights to privacy. VBCPS already has policies in place regarding bullying so there is no need to adopt new ones. The superintendent’s regulations will not require Board approval.
Contact the Virginia Beach School Board and let them know how you feel on this topic: vbcpsschoolboard@googlegroups.com. Please also plan to attend the School Board meeting and sign up to speak! More info to come when agenda is published.
Here is a summary of the model policies and what will be implemented if this policy passes:
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION:
Contact the Virginia Beach School Board and let them know how you feel on this topic: vbcpsschoolboard@googlegroups.com. Please also plan to attend the School Board meeting and sign up to speak! More info to come when agenda is published.
Here is a summary of the model policies and what will be implemented if this policy passes:
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION:
- In the situation when parents or guardians of a minor student (under 18 years of age) do not agree with the student’s request to adopt a new name and pronouns, school divisions will need to determine whether to respect the student’s request, abide by the parent’s wishes to continue using the student’s legal name and sex assigned at birth.
- In situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status, and schools should address this on a case-by-case basis. If a student is not ready or able to safely share with their family about their transgender status, this should be respected. There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity, and school staff should work with students to help them share the information with their family when they are ready to do so.
- (The school should never have the ability to override a parent or withhold information from a parent)
- Whenever schools provide sex-segregated activities such as physical education classes, students should be allowed to participate in a manner consistent with their gender identity. (In PE classes or non VHSL events, biological males may participate in activities/sports of biological females and vice versa. VHSL does currently prohibit this in their sports.)
- For overnight field trips, the school should not force the student into single-occupancy accommodations that are not required for other students; however, such alternative accommodations should be made available to any student requesting them. It is important that school divisions adopt policies and procedures that are focused on the safety of all students and seek to address privacy interests in situations involving individuals undressing or showering. School divisions should ensure that all students who participate in extracurricular activities that involve overnight trips are aware of the school’s policies and options available to them in advance. (Biological males could be placed into the same room as a biological female on overnight field trips)
- Schools frequently maintain separate restrooms, locker rooms or other facilities for males and females. Students should be allowed to use the facility that corresponds to their consistently asserted gender identity. School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom. (Biological males and biological females will be using the same restrooms and locker rooms-even if they are not transgender, and staff cannot question the students.)
- Additionally, § 22.1-6.1 of the Code of Virginia requires each school board to make menstrual supplies available at all times and at no cost to students in accessible locations in each elementary school and in the bathrooms of each middle and high school. Accordingly, these supplies should be made available in all bathrooms to be gender-inclusive.
- All school mental health professionals shall be trained annually on topics relating to LGBTQ+ students, including safety and support for LGBTQ+ students
Here is a copy of the proposed policy:
SCHOOL REOPENING PLAN:
The School Board approved the administration's reopening plan by a vote of 7-4 (nays-Hughes, Manning, Franklin, Weems). Here are the details:
1. Masks required for all students and staff and anyone who enters the building.
2. Contact tracing will continue. When students are masked, an infected student is NOT considered a close contact if between 3-6 ft.
3. Asymptomatic vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine but non-vaccinated will be.
4. Plexiglass will not be necessary
5. 3 ft of social distancing will be maintained when possible.
6. All sports, clubs, band, performing arts will be in session. Coaches and athletes must wear face coverings indoors. Athletes may relax masks when engaged in physical activity. Masks not required outdoors for athletes, coaches or spectators. Indoor spectators must be 6ft distanced.
I was told that students whose parents do not want them to be masked will NOT be provided an alternative and will NOT be provided with the Constitutional right to a free high quality public education.
Below is a medical exemption for masks if your doctor deems it necessary.
The School Board approved the administration's reopening plan by a vote of 7-4 (nays-Hughes, Manning, Franklin, Weems). Here are the details:
1. Masks required for all students and staff and anyone who enters the building.
2. Contact tracing will continue. When students are masked, an infected student is NOT considered a close contact if between 3-6 ft.
3. Asymptomatic vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine but non-vaccinated will be.
4. Plexiglass will not be necessary
5. 3 ft of social distancing will be maintained when possible.
6. All sports, clubs, band, performing arts will be in session. Coaches and athletes must wear face coverings indoors. Athletes may relax masks when engaged in physical activity. Masks not required outdoors for athletes, coaches or spectators. Indoor spectators must be 6ft distanced.
I was told that students whose parents do not want them to be masked will NOT be provided an alternative and will NOT be provided with the Constitutional right to a free high quality public education.
Below is a medical exemption for masks if your doctor deems it necessary.
Will the media continue to promote the fake narrative that CRT is NOT in Virginia Schools? Why is the Superintendent of Public Instruction promoting it? It is also being promoted on the Dept of Ed website here
The Va Beach School Board will be holding its annual working retreat session THIS Tuesday and Wednesday. As part of the retreat there will also be a formal meeting on the agenda on Tuesday evening. The entire agenda can be found at this link. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Professional Development Center, 641 Carriage Hill Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 and will be streamed via VBTV and Zoom (instructions on the agenda).
Topics that will be discussed include:
1. Flexible Scheduling Model (I do not have any details yet on this topic)
2. School Board "Self-Evaluation" led by Consultant Fran Prolman. The School Board Chair has contracted with Dr Prolman at the cost of $1500 for 3 hours.
3. Collective Bargaining
4. Equity Update regarding the recent Equity Assessment performed by QM. This info was presented to the community but the Board has not yet been provided the info. The slides presented to the community are below.
Topics that will be discussed include:
1. Flexible Scheduling Model (I do not have any details yet on this topic)
2. School Board "Self-Evaluation" led by Consultant Fran Prolman. The School Board Chair has contracted with Dr Prolman at the cost of $1500 for 3 hours.
3. Collective Bargaining
4. Equity Update regarding the recent Equity Assessment performed by QM. This info was presented to the community but the Board has not yet been provided the info. The slides presented to the community are below.
I recently received an email from a Virginia Beach teacher who wanted to share with me what they wrote on their exit survey. The teacher gave me permission to anonymously share what was written How many more teachers have left for the same reasons?
I used to be very proud to say I worked for VBCPS, but our system has really changed over the years. We lack discipline and I am tired of worrying about what color the skin of the child is when there is a discipline problem. I am tired of feeling pressure to pass kids that don’t deserve it. We continue to make the curriculum easier and easier for the students. We don’t teach responsibility. We can’t give below a 49 when a kid should receive a 0 for not producing work. We shouldn’t have to take late work. I don’t get to do any of that in the real world. We are producing lazy children with no work ethic.
I am not a guidance counselor and should not be teaching SEL Lessons. I find much of the material divisive and offensive. We hardly have enough time for the 3 R’s....our kids need to be taught to critically think, not what to think.
It is a real shame to see the directional change of our school system over the past few years. I am glad I no longer have children in the school system. My kids worked hard for their class rank and were very proud of their accomplishments. Students should be recognized for being the top of their class, not just an honor student.
I was finally reading the school newsletter and saw the thing about grades. What if I have a kid that had a D first quarter and an E second quarter, so D for the first semester. Then he has an E for quarter 3 and an E for quarter 4. Would he end up with a D for the year?
Here was the response:
Typically, yes. But you may want to talk with the student's counselor
I am not a guidance counselor and should not be teaching SEL Lessons. I find much of the material divisive and offensive. We hardly have enough time for the 3 R’s....our kids need to be taught to critically think, not what to think.
It is a real shame to see the directional change of our school system over the past few years. I am glad I no longer have children in the school system. My kids worked hard for their class rank and were very proud of their accomplishments. Students should be recognized for being the top of their class, not just an honor student.
I was finally reading the school newsletter and saw the thing about grades. What if I have a kid that had a D first quarter and an E second quarter, so D for the first semester. Then he has an E for quarter 3 and an E for quarter 4. Would he end up with a D for the year?
Here was the response:
Typically, yes. But you may want to talk with the student's counselor
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