Wildly inaccurate assumptions
Dear Editor:
Members of the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community District School Committee became aware at our last meeting (and following up on Facebook) of some wildly inaccurate assumptions in the general public about the District policy on Transgender and Gender Expansive Students (policy ACAAA.) and on how we handle medical issues at schools.
The public comments we heard arose in the context of our discussion in which we decided to allow a school committee member’s request to edit our existing policy on “Transgender and Gender Expansive Students” policy ACAAA which can be found at:
This policy has nothing to do with any medical issues that Transgender and Gender Fluid students may have related to their identity, or anything else for that matter. It does, however, cover how these students are to be regarded, and what procedures are in place to ensure their safety and well-being.
Any editing of this policy will be reviewed by our legal consultants before being discussed publicly and eventually voted on (should there be any edits actually proposed.)
For all students with regards to medications, we have a strict parental involvement protocol, as shown by the following example highlighting the careful nature of the school’s involvement with providing any medications to students:
The student health center is run and staffed by LincolnHealth https://www.mainehealth.org/mainehealth-lincoln-hospital/care-services-mainehealth-lincoln-hospital/school-based-health-centers-mainehealth-lincoln-hospital
It is for all students (and staff as well), not just the high school. It must follow all the rules as if the person were going to the regular doctor’s office at the Family Care Center. A parent or guardian has to enroll the child and give consent to treat them. Visits are billed as a visit to LincolnHealth.
As always, parents and interested community members should talk to our school administrators or their child’s teacher to get the most accurate information about our school procedures. They are always glad to assist you with the best information.
Bruce MacDonald
Boothbay
CSD School Committee member
