Just two weeks ago the 2016 Legislative Session came to an end. However, in that time I have still been hard at work. This week I sent a letter to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education encouraging the department to stand up for our students and schools. It is my sincere hope the department will do what is best for school districts.
Below is the letter I sent to Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven.
Dr. Margie Vandeven
Commissioner of Education
205 Jefferson Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
I am writing to encourage the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to reject the federal government’s heavy-handed guidelines on transgenderism and bathroom use in our local schools. Setting aside the unconstitutionality of these demands, it is obvious that these kinds of decisions should be made at the local – not the state nor the national – level. These issues should be decided by the local community, not by the U.S. Department of Education.
Our schools thrive when parents are engaged and trust the mission of their local school district. Forcing local districts to accept policy that runs counter to common decency and common sense will only erode trust between parents and educational institutions.
As a former school board member, I am certain that this policy will be rejected outright by schools in our area and I strongly encourage our state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to reject federal overreach and instead protect the interests of our local school districts.
Sincerely,
Senator Dave Schatz
Senate District 26
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