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
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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. 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:
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. |
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