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Policy JB-R
These guidelines are provided to assist school administrators in their work with transgender students. They are not intended to anticipate every possible situation that may occur, since needs of particular students and families differ depending on the student’s age and other factors. In addition, programs and resources of each school may differ. Administrators and school staff are expected to consider the needs of the students on a case-by-case basis, and to utilize these guidelines and available resources as appropriate.
Addressing the Needs of Transgender Students
For the purpose of these guidelines, a student will be considered transgender if, at school he/she consistently asserts a gender identity or expression different from the gender assigned at birth. This involves more than a casual declaration of gender identity or expression, but it does not necessarily require a medical diagnosis.
The following procedure will be used to address needs raised by transgender students and/or their parent(s)/guardian(s).
A transgender student and/or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) should contact the building administrator or the student’s guidance counselor. In the case of a student who has not yet enrolled in school, the appropriate building administrator should be contacted.
A meeting should be scheduled to discuss the student’s particular circumstances and needs. In addition to the student and building administrator, other participants may include the parent(s)/guardian(s), guidance counselor or social worker, school nurse, teachers and/or other school staff, and possibly outside providers who can assist in developing a plan for that student.
A plan should be developed by the school, in consultation with the student, parent(s)/guardian(s) and others as appropriate, to address the student’s particular needs. If the student has an IEP and/or a 504 Plan, the provisions of these plans should be taken into consideration in developing the plan for addressing transgender issues.
The student plan should address how to deal with disclosures that the student is transgender. The school recognizes that some students may not have disclosed information to their parent(s)/guardian(s). If the parent(s)/guardian(s) are not aware, thoughtful consideration will be given to the sharing of information. In some cases, a student may want their parent(s)/guardian(s), school staff, and other students to know, and in other cases the student may not want this information to be widely known. School staff should take care to follow the student’s plan and not to inadvertently disclose information that is intended to be kept private or that is protected from disclosure (such as confidential medical information).
The school may request documentation from medical providers or other service providers as necessary to assist staff in developing a plan appropriate for the student.
If the parties cannot reach an agreement about the elements to be included in the plan, the building administrator and/or Superintendent shall be consulted as appropriate.
Cross Reference: ACAA Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students JFCA Student Dress Code
JIC System-Wide Student Code of Conduct
Adopted: November 13, 2017
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