By WILL ROSS
BRANDON—The OVUU school board gathered last Tuesday evening in the Otter Valley library. In addition to discussions about school choice transfer policy updates and the board member code of conduct, there was communication from residents who hoped to make their concerns known to the board.
Barry Whitney brought up the condition of the Otter Valley locker rooms, pointing out that only three additional shower curtains had been put up in the boys’ locker room since he made a request at the last meeting. Whitney also commented on a recent theft that occurred at the school and was concerned about the manner in which it was handled. Whitney was reassured by Superintendent Kristen Hubert that the insurance company was notified and that the correct policies and procedures were followed.
Next to speak was Jennifer Tinsman, who brought up concerns about a board member’s behavior
regarding transphobic comments made online. Tinsman believed that the board member did not adhere to the code of conduct, specifically the responsibility “to provide a physically and emotionally safe place
for students.” Tinsman pointed out that the policy specifically mentions social media comments.
Alex Hilliard of Poultney stated additional concerns about these non-inclusive comments. Hilliard made a number of requests at the previous school board meeting, which included a revision of the code of conduct, a discussion on the school board member code of conduct, and an apology from the board member in question.
Barry Whitney went on to share his thoughts on the matter, standing up for the importance of free speech and First Amendment rights. Whitney stated that what people do in their own personal lives has no effect on their service in a social or administrative capacity, noting that if this type of comment were made at a meeting, it would be cause for concern. However, Whitney felt that asking somebody to change how they feel outside of that capacity would be unconstitutional.
Once residents had made their voices heard, the meeting continued into a discussion on the new school-choice policy. The policy will help to mitigate the growing discrepancy between children attending kindergarten at Neshobe and those at Otter Creek Academy. The revised policy will narrow down the standards that qualify families for school choice, ensuring there is a valid reason to transfer school districts. Board member Greg Bernhardt expressed concern, stating, “I just don’t want to see school choice go away.” He was reassured by Hubert that school choice will not go away, but families must qualify.
Next came a lengthy conversation about the board member code of conduct. Chair of the Board Laurie Bertrand informed the group that she spoke to the lawyer and the individual responsible for the transphobic posts. The board does not have the ability to remove the board member in question because he is an elected official; however, if comments of this nature were made during a board discussion, they would have the ability to censor this individual. Bertrand pointed out that while everyone has the right to free speech, the Board’s priority is keeping students safe.
Alex Hilliard submitted a motion for the board to approve the aforementioned requests. However, the board is not required to entertain a motion that is submitted by a citizen. The board did not accept Hilliard’s motion, though they did go on to discuss the code of conduct.
Bertrand began by stating, “We do need to protect all students. I’m just going to say it, and I think all of us here believe that.”
Natalie Steen noted that these are individual opinions that do not reflect the
opinions of the full board as per the code of conduct, adding that the board is there to ensure students’ safety and success regardless of gender. Barbara Ebling went on to state that the board should not feel the need to force an apology but should be mindful of upholding their job and responsibilities.
At this point, Brent Scarborough, the board member who posted the original transphobic remarks, made a statement. Scarborough began by saying, “I don’t have any issues with any particular person. I don’t have any issues with any students. Nothing I posted was directed toward any individual or group. As I stated, I can have my own beliefs.” Scarborough went on to say, “It doesn’t affect what I decide here or what I talk about here.”
When addressing the request for an apology, Scarborough stated, “As far as an
apology goes, I will apologize to the board for any inconvenience, embarrassment, or harassment I may have caused them. But apologizing for my own individual beliefs and opinions – I will not apologize for that.”
Bernhardt continued the discussion by agreeing with the importance of free speech but noting that he doesn’t believe free speech can be used to propagate harm in any way.
Board member Jeremy Gildrien stated he would like to address these concerns with actionable steps rather than just rhetoric. He hopes to show the community that the board is taking concrete steps to resolve this. The board began to float ideas. Some that were suggested included additional diversity and inclusion training, improving the current onboarding process, and re-reading the current equity policy. The board will determine the ideal schedule, and additional training will be provided for members prior to the next school year.