It has taken several months, numerous emails, and a couple of letters, but professional training and education in LGBTQ+ inclusion for students, faculty, and staff is on its way to the Block Island School. Superintendent Robert Gerardi spoke on the topic at the School Committee meeting on January 18.The committee had received correspondence from concerned parents regarding incidents of anti-LGBTQ+ behavior at the school and the perceived inadequacy of the school’s response.
School Committee Chair Jessica Willi told Gerardi the committee wanted to hear the school’s position and “what you are planning.”
Gerardi confirmed that the school has started making improvements, including starting a student-led Gender and Sexuality Alliance, as well as scheduling professional development for the teachers. He mentioned already having had one day of professional development led by Co-principal Kyle Riley.According to what Riley relayed to parents at the time, however, this professional development day was an hour tacked onto the end of the “visioning day” put on by Saccoccio and Associates to discuss the upcoming school renovations. (See article on this page.)
Gerardi said that Liz Jorgenson was coming in February to talk to students and staff, telling the committee that she had helped the
