A message from the Superintendent

I hope this communication finds you well. With autumn soon upon us, get ready for cooler weather, colorful landscapes, and all things pumpkin! This week's message is lengthy, I ask that you bear with me as the information is important to share.

The District's mission is to cultivate inclusive school communities and empower students to grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. We are dedicated to creating an environment where students eagerly attend school and truly feel they belong.

Our student body is becoming increasingly diverse, mirroring trends in our local community, state, and nation. Since 2018, our District has experienced a rise in Asian, Hispanic, and multi-racial student populations. While the percentage of Black students has remained consistent, the percentage of White students has declined. Additionally, other student groups have undergone changes to include a growing percentage of economically disadvantaged students, English Language Learners, and those facing homelessness. Our District has seen a decline in the percentage of students qualifying for special education services from 2018 to 2022, as indicated in PA's Future Ready Index District Fast Facts.

We are also increasingly mindful of the diverse identities within our student body, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). This awareness has prompted the District to examine how it can best support these students and educate others about their experiences. These evolving demographics underscore the need for thoughtful and inclusive policies, including those related to restroom use, in line with our mission of cultivating an inclusive educational environment.

Board Policy 103, titled "Discrimination/Title IX Sexual Harassment Affecting Students," is a key component of our commitment to inclusion. This policy explicitly identifies subgroups of students that the District must safeguard against discrimination. In the policy, under the section titled "Authority," the following language articulates our commitment:

"The Board affirms its dedication to ensuring equal opportunities for all students to reach their fullest potential through the programs and activities offered in our schools. This commitment extends to all students, without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, social and familial connections, or socioeconomic status." This policy underscores our unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.

Reflecting on the September 5th Board meeting, a policy was introduced aimed at restricting restroom access to be based on an individual's biological sex. This issue has arisen due to instances where transgender students have used bathrooms that align with their gender identity, which, understandably, has raised questions and caused surprise for some. It's important to note that the number of transgender students in our schools is relatively small, for example, approximately 1% of the high school’s total enrollment. To address the needs of transgender students, accommodations have been provided, including access to the nurse's suite bathroom, single-use facilities, and, in recent years, gender identity-aligned gang bathrooms (although, not all transgender students use the gang bathrooms). The accommodations align with the principles outlined in Policy 103.

During the Business meeting on Monday, September 11, the proposed policy to limit bathroom usage exclusively based on one's biological sex did not gain approval at the Board level. The meeting hosted significant attendance, with numerous members of the public offering their comments. The restroom use issue has sparked diverse opinions, with some advocating for the preservation of Policy 103 and the rights of transgender students to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity. Conversely, others argue that the rights of cisgender students are being affected, making them uncomfortable in some cases when using gang bathrooms. Up until the first week of school, there had not been any concerns raised to administration, teachers or coaches by students or parents about restroom use. As a note, the bathrooms in our schools are not designated “co-ed.” Administration does not permit, nor has it been informed of, boys entering the girl’s room freely or vice versa.

The discussion surrounding restroom use is scheduled to continue as part of the Policy Committee meeting this month. The goal is to foster civil discourse and explore potential accommodations that can effectively address the needs and concerns of our students while upholding policy and the rights of all. The next Policy Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 19 at 6:00 PM in the High School Library. I am also considering other forums to facilitate ongoing discussions. Stay tuned for opportunities if interested.

Lastly, I am providing this link for those interested to share comments about restroom use districtwide. To those of you who have already shared thoughts and opinions via email, I thank you.