SPS Receives Recognition From State For LGBTQ+ PAC, Gender Identity Policy

On October 22, the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth sent a letter commending the recent work of the Sudbury Public Schools (SPS), according to the contents of the SPS School Committee packet for their October 23 meeting. The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth “advises others in state government on effective policies, programs, and resources for LGBTQ youth.”

The letter, addressed to SPS School Committee chair Karyn Jones, and Superintendent Brad Crozier, applauded recent actions by the district that established an LGBTQ+ Parent Advisory Council, as well as a Gender Identity and Inclusivity Policy that was passed by the school committee in August of this year.

Shaplaie Brooks, the executive director of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth, wrote:

On behalf of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth, I want to commend the Sudbury Public Schools (SPS) School Committee for your leadership in establishing an LGBTQ+ Parent Advisory Council (PAC).”

The letter went on to highlight the SPS Gender Identity and Inclusivity Policy and described recent SPS School Committee actions as a model for the Commonwealth:

The LGBTQ+ PAC, alongside the district’s Gender Identity and Inclusivity Policy, reflects a thoughtful and proactive approach to ensuring that all students and families are affirmed. These actions not only strengthen local practice but also offer a model for how family engagement can drive lasting, systemic change across the Commonwealth.

The full letter is embedded below.

During the October 23 meeting of the SPS School Committee, the committee voted 4-1 in favor of appointing Betsy Grams to the SPS LGBTQ+ PAC as an administrative liaison. That selection was made by Superintendent Brad Crozier. Committee member Nicole Burnard voted against the appointment after voicing concern about the unknown cost of a possible stipend that might be paid to the administrative liaison.

Later in the meeting, the committee discussed the appointment process for leadership positions in the PAC, as well as materials for outreach to the community. The committee once again voted 4-1, this time in favor of approving the process and materials with a minor amendment to correct a typo.