Over the past two weeks Sussex Pride has reached out to every person running for the position of School Board across Delaware with a few questions regarding their policies towards LGBTQ+ people.
With the elections fast approaching on May 9th we have compiled a list of every response we received, separated out by county and school district. The three questions were:
- What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
- What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
- Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
We sent out these questions to all forty school board candidates, receiving the most responses from Sussex County (five)
Sussex County:
Cape Henlopen School District:
Jessica Tyndall:
What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
I am thankful for the support and partnership that the LGBT community in the Cape region brings to our school district and to our greater community. The LGBT community is an integral part of this community since members of this group are our parents, our students and stakeholders. I believe in the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and I know that one of the best ways to break down barriers is to build relationships. If I am provided the opportunity to serve the Cape district for another four years, I hope to build further connections with our LGBT community.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
It is disheartening to me to see any law enacted that limits individual rights and unfairly targets members of protected groups. I believe that decisions about healthcare should be made as a family in conjunction with healthcare professionals and that laws that limit access to care do a disservice to all.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
I have been a Cape Henlopen School Board member for the past 7 years. I understand the role that a board member plays in the development of curriculum in our district. It is our responsibility to review the recommendations made to us by the internal committees formed within our district from various stakeholders. Our job is to use a critical eye to ensure that these changes are meeting the needs of all students by remaining inclusive of all of the groups that make up our student body. As a district, our main job is to provide a safe, welcoming and affirming learning environment. It is the responsibility of our board to oversee that our policies and practices are not alienating any of the groups that make up our Cape community. The role of our district is to include as much information about various groups as possible to provide the best and most accurate information to students before they go off into the world.
Shawn Lovenguth:
No Response.
Delmar School District:
Shane Bowden:
No response.
Dawn Turner:
No response.
Indian River School District
Michael Bellerose:
No response.
Leo Darmstadter iii
| What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them? I believe we are all called to love one another despite any of our differences. I would fully support equitable treatment of all individuals. What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare? I’ll admit that I’m not fully aware of all those bills and what they entail. I will say that I support an individual’s right to live their life on their own terms. Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term? I believe the districts primary responsibility is to provide all students with a safe and equitable place to learn. Ivan Neal: No response Leolga Wright: No response. Laurel School District: Ivy Bonk: No response. Sabrina Isler: No response. |
Doctor Stephanie Smith
What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
I am the proud mother of a LGBTQ+ daughter. Both my daughter and her fiancee are beautiful young women who are planning their wedding and future together. I have supported my daughter since she chose to come out and have never once had any regrets or felt any differently about my daughter’s choices as a lesbian than I would have if she was straight. I would absolutely support the rights and inclusion of staff and students who identify the same. In my twenty-nine years as a public educator, I have worked with both staff and students who identify as LGBTQ+ and I have never had an issue respecting them as the individuals they are or standing up for their rights. As public educators we are called to take every student that comes to our doors and welcome them to our schools. That inclusiveness is what helps to make our schools the mini versions of society that they are and better prepares our students for the world in which they live. I would not want my own child discriminated against or treated differently because of who she is even if she may not conform to the norm for others. Schools should be places where children of all ages and backgrounds feel safe, secure, and valued and as a board member I will continue to respond in the same way.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
Decisions about a child’s healthcare should be decisions that are made by parents, children, and those providing their medical care. The decisions made by that collective group are not ones that are made on a whim. Gender affirming care is an important step to a positive future for those that have made the decision to transition to another gender. Unfortunately because the issue has become a political one, strangers and politicians are trying to determine what care can be given to those seeking to transition.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
I spent twenty-four of my twenty-nine years in schools in the Seaford School District as a teacher, counselor, and school administrator. Our schools are very diverse in demographics and one of the things I was always proud of was our students compassion for each other and their tolerance for students who may be different then the majority or because they were exploring or expressing their sexual identify. I have seen students who expressed their individuality at prom, in their everyday appearance, and as they explore their first relationships. I hope that the compassion our students show each other continues to be part of the culture in our district. I would certainly support initiatives to ensure that this respect is continued for both staff and students who identify as LGBTQ+.
Armore Rice
What are your thoughts on the LGBT Community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
It won’t affect them in any way I don’t feel. I’m in there for the people and that’s all people. I’m in there to make a difference in the school system.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
Target the children and their healthcare? I feel that we should do better than that it shouldn’t be a target with healthcare we should be able to take care of all the children. I had an experience today taking my brother to the Doctor, and he has insurance but he still had to pay 180 dollars up front and most people don’t have that kind of many and wouldn’t be able to get a CT scan done on a head injury. I feel that we can do better by helping people.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
Not at this time, I am not aware of any I haven’t been involved enough yet to know where the stands are or any of that. Things are happening at the school and I definitely would be interested in anything coming my way.
David Tull:
No response.
Woodbridge School District:
Jeffrey Allen:
No Response.
Kent County
Caesar Rodney School District:
Tawanna Prophet Brinkley:
No response.
Nicole Hill:
No response.
Emily Phelan:
No response.
Capital School District:
Sean Christiansen:
No response.
Lake Forest School District
Jordan McCloskey:
No response.
Milford School District:
Ashlee Connell:
No response.
Danielle Deinert:
What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
During my career in education I had the opportunity to see education from many lenses. I have ridden school buses with kids, had tough conversations with parents around discipline, and taught classes with kids that are well above and below grade level. As a parent I have seen first hand what school looks and feels like through the eyes of my children. My experiences, ongoing conversations with teachers, families, and community members have shaped what I plan to focus on If elected.
My goals are to focus on putting our students first, safe and supportive schools, increasing our family engagement, and positive academic outcomes. I believe that in order for the students and district to be successful, students must be at the forefront of all conversations and we must always ask ourselves “is this best for all students?” All stakeholders have to be willing to put aside their differences and focus upon this common goal. When board members are making decisions our focus should be on putting all students first, including our LGBTQ+ students. When we focus upon what is best for our students, this leads to positive academic achievement.
This also connects to creating safe and supportive schools that are free from bullying, discrimination, and discipline issues disrupting our students’ learning. I also support engaging with our families in our schools. When we create safe spaces, create supportive teams that rally around our students that we are putting first, academic achievement thrives.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
The role of a board member is to oversee overarching school district policy, evaluate the superintendent and be representative of the community of which they serve. In reading this question I think this directly connects to being representative of the community in which I serve. One of my strengths is that I am a strong communicator, I am willing to listen and hear many points of view. My goal as a representative of the community is that all community members regardless of the color of their skin, sexual orientation, income level, or gender feel as though I am someone that they can come to and discuss concerns, ideas, and questions. I would work with individuals in our community to ensure that we are supporting all students.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
As a candidate running for school board, if elected my goal is to approach my term with an open mind that is willing to listen, discuss, and focus on the concerns of the members of our community. My goal would be to represent the students, families, educators and staff of the Milford School District in a way that is inclusive and supportive to all students.
Victor Elzey iii:
What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
I have no problem with the Gay and Lesbian folks Many, many are friends of mine, my wife and I had a catering business we did many gay and lesbian weddings and some of the finest people I have met.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
I do have a problem with the trans. Their trying to get into boys and girls bathrooms and stuff like that. I think it’s nonsense I think the media and a lot of politicians are using this trans stuff and when you plant a seed in a young child’s head and they have a problem here or there mentally, or socially then their going to say well maybe I’ll try this. For the trans community I do have a problem with that.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
Well I’m not on the board as of yet, I don’t know all of the inner workins, I don’t personally have a problem with the gay/lesbian community, I will look into it.
Jennifer Massotti:
No response.
Newcastle County:
Appoquinimink School District
Tashiba Graham:
What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
I support LGBTQ+ students! It is my goal to ensure our schools are safe, welcoming, and nurturing to all our students, regardless of how they identify. Moreover, I will support any legislation or guidelines that accommodates students with learning disabilities and special news when it comes to testing.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
It is alarming and does not align with my platform. As a healthcare professional, I see the adverse impact these anti-trans bill can have on the community. More specifically, these bills create barriers for those seeking medical attention. Lastly, they can contribute to discrimination, biases, and inequities; all of which can have both short and long term effects on their physical and mental health.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
Working collaboratively with key stakeholders to ensure that our schools are safe and inclusive for all students.
Timothy Johns:
No response.
Raymond Joseph Petkevis:
No response.
Brandywine School District:
Shanika Perry:
No response.
Ralph Ackerman:
No response
Christina School District:
Christine Gilbert:
No response.
Douglas Danger Manley:
What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
I love you guys and sincerely wish that we weren’t hopping from moral panic to moral panic in an attempt to attack the most vulnerable among us (specifically gay and trans youth). Once elected, I won’t let any bullshit anti-LGBT policies go through, and I will continue to pursue proactive measures. Currently, Christina School District currently has a policy (“02.27”) specifically articulating “the mandate of the schools to create a culture in which transgender and gender nonconforming students feel safe, supported, and fully included”, and I’ll support any future policies to continue affirm the existence and rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
These anti-trans bills are total nonsense, designed to attack the weakest among us and drive a wedge between the community so that further groups can ultimately be targeted (and we’ll be too fractured to stop it). It doesn’t stop here, and if we don’t put an end to this, they will only grow more bold and more vicious.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
I’m not aware of any particular LGBT-related things that are in need of work in the district, but I’d be happy to speak with anyone who has good ideas on what we can do to make things better.
Y.F Lou:
What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
The LGBTQ plus community should be welcomed in this country, in this state and in this school district and in our community. Not only legally they are protected but also morally we should protect everyone. For one I will continue to advocate for their right to simply exist in our community, and right now with a lot of misunderstanding from various communities I want to help bring everybody together to help show families that we don’t want to perceive this from the angle of fear but we want to embrace from an angle of empathy, excepting and understanding.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
As a school board candidate in christina school district my thoughts are really we want to get more truths before people start banning transgender policies nation wide because there simply is not enough data out there to advocate against LGBTQ with that said I see people are concerned about why this should not happen, once again they don’t have enough information to really advocate against and there is not an appropriate amount of information in my opinion, in my personal opinion, to say we should ban LGBTQ from our schools or ban LGBTQ for children. For me I am not a medical profesional, however I feel that people should have the right to choose their gender identity, that is their right to do so. At the end of the day it is not my place to impose my views upon other families where they may have their own views. For the record I am in full support, also legally speaking it is actually illegal for people to try to get people to think otherwise.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
Right now I would need to kind of review about the aspect of LGBTQ plus education that Christina school district has. In terms of changing I don’t think it would be appropriate as a school board member just to make a change because I feel one way or another. It has to be an educated decision. Not only for parents but also for the individual who are subject matter experts. Our educators, our healthcare providers; also our administrators need to determine the appropriateness of the education also the accuracy of the education. What can we do better, we should definitely educate our community better when it comes to LGBTQ plus that way we could quell some of the misunderstandings and fears going back and fourth in our society today.
Yong Peng:
No response.
Colonial School District:
Ronal Handy Sr:
No response.
Ja’Lisa White:
No response.
Red Clay School District:
Aje English Wynn:
No response:
Carlucci Coelho:
No response.
Jose Matthews:
What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, my thoughts are that we need to see more of us represented in elected office! By getting re-elected to the Red Clay school board, it will show our community that we want to continue to fight for the rights and dignity of our LGBTQ+ students in making sure we create safe spaces for them to learn and thrive in our schools.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
I shudder every day to think that more and more states are crafting discriminatory bills targeting an already vulnerable community. The trans community just wants to live their lives openly and freely and too many legislators around the country are attacking that. When it comes to healthcare for trans kids, the only people who should be involved in that conversation are the child, their parents, and their doctor. Medical professionals overwhelmingly report that gender-affirming care is life-saving care for children, so the fact that some state legislatures are looking to ban that is unconscionable.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
I didn’t get too involved with curricula in my first term, as that’s not typically something that Board members work on or have any control over. However, if re-elected, I’d love to work more with our social studies department to see how LGBTQ+ narratives are woven into our history classes. Representation matters and our LGBTQ+ kids should be able to see themselves in the history being taught in our schools. I think Red Clay is an extremely inclusive school district that is at the front of many LGBTQ+ initiatives, so I’m excited to be reelected and continue this work!
John Shulli:
What are your thoughts on the LGBT community and how will you being voted into office affect them?
First of all the school board has nothing to do with social or economic networks or organisations it’s just books and education so LGBT community are fine, go for it there is no problem.
What are your thoughts on the record number of anti-trans bills across the country, especially ones that target children and their healthcare?
I think it’s a reaction to a lot of negative press, so whenever there is a lot of negative views, it doesn’t matter which genre, when theres a lot of negative views, folks react to it. I think for the trans issue it’s so antithetical to the way America has been going up in the last couple hundred years and it almost especially in the woman’s sports it’s almost anti-feminist, so I think what your finding is trans rights, trans attitudes and wishes may have pushed to far against the national grain of America. There’s going to be balance, balance will be found. So just swing back and fourth on the pendulum of trying to find a way forward. We’ll find a way forward but it’s not going to be the extreme on either way.
Are there any aspects of LGBT education within your school district that you would wish/try to change during your term?
So when you say that kind of education, that’s explicitly sexual oriented questions or education, so I believe that you have a common core education style: You have reading, writing arithmetic. That’s the standard. Now you can have electives. So parents and children, or students. Can take electives in certain areas that they want more information about. So that’s fine. Electives can be chosen and parents and students can choose which electives they want to learn more about. Same thing in college. No difference.