Gender Identity Questions Cause Uproar at SCSD Meeting

During Recognition of Visitors portion of the Spring Cove School District Board of Directors Committee of the Whole February meeting, several representatives from a group of attendees came up to speak on issues of gender identification. Misty Fisher, who has a son in the district, came to the podium to discuss her concern over a female student, identifying as a male, who she said was changing in the boys’ locker room and using the boys’ restroom. She said this prohibited her son from changing in the boys’ locker room. Fisher, upset about this situation, contacted Sen. Judy Ward’s office to find no current law on this. She could not find a local school district with an individualized policy on this.

“This same female is using the boys’ restroom, there needs to be accommodations made. There needs to be a third location to change or use the restroom,” Fisher said.

Ashley Smouse also spoke up on the gender identification issue. She handed out information to the board concerning a law firm that specializes in these issues and is willing to speak to any board members who would make contact with them.

“This is humiliating to students,” Smouse said.

Kevin Smith spoke up and said he echoed the sentiment of Fisher and Smouse. He said he has never been able to get any response from the board from any issues he has brought before them. The district solicitor from Beard Law Firm said it presents a liability and opens the district to a lawsuit if a student is denied access or excluded use of a changing room because of gender. If the school makes a student use the gender (by birth certificate) bathroom, it will be in violation of the law, under anti-discrimination law. Private schools and charter schools are subject to a different set of rules.

To calm some of the group’s fears, Superintendent Dr. Betsy Baker, said there is a formal process and formal paperwork to show that a student identifies as a certain gender.

“A boy could not come into school with a skirt and say he was a girl,” Baker said.

Several board members asked for all phone numbers and email address of this law firm that specializes in gender identity so they could make contact.

Several members of the audience continued to shout out questions to the board even after Board President Brian Gahagan said the public speaking period was over. Gahagan proceeded to threaten their removal from the meeting if it continued.

During her superintendent report, Baker said that Spring Cove Elementary recently unveiled its new book vending machine, which was purchased through a Dragon Pride Foundation venture grant. Elementary students now have the opportunity to earn coins, which can be used to purchase books through the vending machine.

Baker thanked the Blair County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for organizing a cybersecurity training through the Department of Homeland Security, CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), and an informational session with Dr. Mathew Jones relative to safety at athletic events. These programs were hosted here in Spring Cove School District and attended by representatives from all area school districts.

The Health and Safety Plan was reviewed and there are no recommended changes to the plan. Baker was pleased that the district has operated normally this year with an average of only two to three COVID cases reported each week.

After being concerned about attending a building and grounds committee meeting, Boardmember John Biddle was appointed to the committee.

Additional bus drivers were hired and Spring Coaches appointed and new ones ratified. The superintendent will also be hiring a new supervisor of buildings and grounds and a health room nurse. A school police officer agreement will also be made.

The Regular Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at the administration office board room.