By GEORGE FJELD
BRANDON–At the Otter Valley Unified Union (OVUU) board meeting last Tuesday evening, there were multiple public comments about the incident at Neshobe School regarding threats made by a student. Comments were heard from parents concerned about safety in the school, especially the lack of information provided to the parents. There were calls to investigate the principal, Vicki Wells, and her response to the alleged threats. Chair Laurie Bertrand advised that this situation will be on the agenda next week after an investigation is completed.
Transgender participation in sports was discussed relating to the Vermont Principals Association’s (VPA) dismissal of Mid Vermont Christian Academy (MVCA) from the VPA. MVCA forfeited a playoff basketball game rather than play against a team with a transgender student. MVCA cited reasons of fairness and safety as reasons for the forfeiture. There were no references to religious freedom or freedom of speech. Attendee Jen Tinsman stated that as a parent, she believed all students should have the ability to participate in activities that are interscholastic and she does not think it is right for our student population to be punished. Parent Samantha Stone strongly disagreed with the draft letter to the VPA as presented. Board member Jeremy Gildrien noted that the letter is not what it purports to be, as this is not an issue of religious freedom and conscience but rather a stance on transgender-student rights. The issue was first described as a freedom of speech issue but then moved to freedom of religion. Mr. Gildrien thought the Board would be taking an inflammatory stance against its own policies by sending the letter. After board discussion about these issues, the board declined to send a letter to the Vermont Principals Association regarding transgender issues and the removal of MVCA from the VPA.
Superintendent Kristin Hubert advised 1) that there will be PCB testing in the schools over the next year; 2) the State has changed from SBAC to Cognia for student testing and all RNESU schools will start testing after April break.
Laurie Bertrand reported there will be presentations at the next meeting (4/11/2023), on social/emotional learning and mental health and safety. The Board will be getting an update on the Neshobe School’s incident and will review the facilities’ summer work. The locker room discussion will be held in May; however, Brenda Fleming will be talking about some changes to
the locker rooms during the facilities discussion.
The complete minutes are available on the OVUU website.
