Latest news with #D11)BoardofEducation
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
D11 School Board votes for parental consent in name change policy
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) Board of Education has voted to integrate a new name-change policy that would require parental consent. The new ACA policy directs the superintendent to develop a process for a student to request the use of a chosen name to reflect their gender identity. Therefore, students and parents/guardians must request a change to their legal name or gender on their official student record, and it would only be recognized after parents were notified. The new policy has sparked conversations about discrimination and even 'sidestepping' a state law. According to board member Julie Ott, the school board had received many emails about the subject, which the board hadn't 'in a long time on one subject.' Earlier in February, the Colorado Springs Education Association opposed the policy, stating it went against HB24-1039, an act that requires schools to address students by their chosen name. The act states that it is discriminatory to knowingly use another name other than the student's chosen name, and refusal to address the student by that name allows the student to file a report with the school or a federal civil rights complaint. The policy now states the district will work with students and families to stay consistent with privacy laws. 'The District will work with students and their families to keep personally identifiable information related to gender identity confidential in accordance with state and federal privacy laws,' the policy stated. Previously, the D11 School Board had said the policy was about being transparent and unbiased with parents. 'When it comes to this vote, I would be voting yes because I cannot in good conscience separate kids from their parents,' said board member Sandra Bankes. 'What we do is hopefully do the best that we can possibly do and be open to having conversations and if we all hold together to the belief that we want to raise self-assured confident kids into adults, then that's our goal.' The Board had to make a decision by Wednesday, March 5. The policy was adopted in a 5-1 vote. 'In this culture and in this political climate, we should be allies to our transgender children and those who are also non-binary,' said Julie Ott. 'That is if we want our students to be in welcoming and inclusive schools and that has always been one of my goals and why I'm here. This policy does not promote welcoming, inclusive, safe, or affirming schools.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
D11 seeks community input on new Employee Handbook
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The District 11 (D11) Board of Education is holding listening sessions to gather ideas for the schools and to share its progress as it develops the new Employee Handbook. In Dec. 2024, the board decided to end the Master Agreement it had with the Colorado Springs Education Association (CSEA) union. Now, the district has created an Employee Engagement Group to meet once a month for two hours to develop the handbook, which will replace the master agreement that only covers teachers. The group will also plan employee recognition and other engagement opportunities. Anyone interested in sharing ideas or thoughts about D11 schools is invited to attend the listening sessions. They are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on: Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Michell High School library Monday, Feb. 10, at Palmer High School, lower library Monday, Feb. 24 at Coronado High School library Thursday, March 6 at Doherty High School, location is still to be determined 'We look forward to hearing from the community,' said Parth Melpakam, president of the board. 'Two board members will be at every session to hear concerns and answer questions. We also want to hear from the community about their ideas and concerns about D11 schools and student progress.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
