New London Board rescinds pandemic emergency policy, advances transgender student policy in first reading

The New London Board of Education on March 25 voted to rescind Policy 6114.81 (Emergency Suspension of Policy During Pandemic) and approved Policy 5145.53 (Transgender and Gender‑Expansive Youth) for its first reading.

The motion to rescind Policy 6114.81 was made by Secretary Bryan Doughty and seconded by Nathan Caron; the board carried the motion 6–0 after members confirmed the district could reinstate the policy if another pandemic required it. "If this policy could be brought back should there be another pandemic, it could be brought back," attendees noted while discussing the motion.

Later, the board approved Policy 5145.53 for first reading on a 6–0 vote after discussion about transfer procedures. Mr. Doughty moved the item and Ms. Alisha Blake seconded. Erin McGuire, Assistant Director of Mental Health, said transfers contemplated under the policy would not occur without parental involvement and that any discussion would center on harassment or bullying as a last resort, not on identifying a student’s gender. "This is a decision that would not be made without the parent," McGuire said, adding that the focus would be on addressing harassment or bullying and that transfer would be a last resort.

On procedural business the board approved the March 11, 2024 meeting minutes (motion by Alisha Blake, seconded by Susan Hambey) with a 5–0–1 vote; Danni Cruz was recorded as abstaining. The consent agenda, which included approval of recommended line‑item transfers and several policy first readings and rescinds, passed 6–0.

No ordinances or binding regulations were adopted at the meeting; the approved items were motions and first readings that will proceed through the district’s regular policy review process. The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.