An Aurora school board voted unanimously not to fire or demote its assistant superintendent, who some blamed for the fallout over transgender protections adopted by the board and then rescinded amid controversy.
School officials had alleged that Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christie Aird presented the policy without properly informing the board on its ramifications. But at a special meeting held to discuss Aird's employment Nov. 5, teachers, parents and students voiced their support for Aird. Of the six who spoke, all said they support Aird.
"Have you ever taken a step forward, when everyone asked you to take a step back?" one mother asked board members.
Eight-year-old Teja Davis called Aird "a leader" for her school. "When I make a mistake, my parents don't dismiss me and tell me I have to move out," she said.
Board members headed into a closed-door executive session following the public comments. After more than an hour, the board voted unanimously not to take action against Aird.
A handful of others spoke at a general board meeting following in favor of the transgender policy.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.