BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The former high school teacher who stoked a debate over using a student’s preferred name without parental permission may return to the classroom, but not in Brevard County’s school district. At least not yet.
Dr. Mark Rendell, the district superintendent, released a statement Tuesday saying the district will not rehire Melissa Calhoun, at least until she completes the one-year probation that was agreed to as part of Calhoun’s settlement with the state.
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“While the state has chosen to allow this individual to retain their certification under probation, I believe it is appropriate that the full term of that probation be completed before any consideration of employment,” Rendell wrote. “Our district will always prioritize the law, the trust of our families, and the rights of parents.”
Calhoun was teaching at Satellite High School when she was told her contract would not be renewed after a parent complained that she used a student’s preferred name without getting permission, which is a violation of state law.
Parents and students protested and urged the school board to reinstate Calhoun, but the district stood by the decision.
[WATCH: Former Florida teacher embroiled in name scandal will get to keep teaching license]
Last month, the Florida Education Commission unanimously voted to accept a settlement, allowing Calhoun to retain her teaching certification.
The settlement included a letter of reprimand, a $750 fine, one year of probation, and the completion of an ethics and education course. That means Calhoun could teach at a school while finishing her probation. But that will not happen in Brevard County.
Rendell, in his statement Tuesday, said Calhoun’s actions were a violation of parental rights.
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“Teachers hold a powerful position of influence, and that influence must never override the rights of parents to be involved in critical decisions affecting their children. This was not a mistake. This was a conscious and deliberate decision to engage in gender affirmation without parental knowledge,” Rendell wrote.
Calhoun taught Advanced Placement English, and the county school board acknowledged she had positive evaluations throughout her tenure.
“What’s very reasonable is to put Miss Calhoun back in her classroom, teaching honors and advanced studies,” Calhoun’s attorney Mark Wilensky said last month.