Dear editor:

In response to the pathetic and spineless attempt by the Powell school board (PCSD1) to thwart the needs of this community and the concerns of parents and students of Powell, I would say "shame on you." Over 140 members of the community attended the Nov. 12 meeting seeking solutions, not placation and pandering, and they were very disappointed. The resolution offered up by the board is absolutely useless, and amounts to saying "we will do what we should do as soon as somebody else does it." The lack of courage by the superintendent and the board is appalling, and the people of Powell should not tolerate it. Powell deserves better, and the parents and community members DEMAND better.

A few facts that were left out of the article in the Powell Tribune need to be raised. First, there are about half a dozen "transgender" students at Powell High School. The high school has offered them the use of the single use restroom in the nurse's office, but there have been incidents where a transgender student has been in the girls’ restroom — causing discomfort for the majority of the young ladies who attend Powell High.

Second, many students have complained to administration and staff, only to be told that there is nothing that can be done, or to be told to "file an official complaint." They have been directed to find the official complaint form — a form which does NOT EXIST. One official complaint was FINALLY accepted five days before Election Day, which I believe was by design. Despite numerous complaints, only one has been accepted as "official" by principal Wormald. The student who filed that complaint was immediately targeted by the school staff for retaliation — a clear violation of criminal statute. Any staff member who participated in this retaliation, or who knew about it, should immediately be fired and prosecuted. Thirdly, the lack of leadership by the administration of Powell High School is egregious, and those individuals who have failed to act to provide for the safety of the girls attending PHS should be fired immediately, starting with Principal Tim Wormald and Assistant Principal Steve Lensigrav.

I would also like to bring attention to the Powell Police Department's role in this debacle. At least three PPD officers were hiding in the hallways, visible from the podium, but not from the majority of attendees. This is unacceptable. The SCOTUS has been VERY clear that citizens have the right to speak freely at any public meeting, and that a police presence clearly constitutes an attempt to stifle free speech and the right of citizens to petition for a redress of grievances. The Powell Police Department, and each officer involved, very clearly violated the First Amendment rights of the citizens in attendance, even if simply due to the "chilling effect" of their presence. An independent investigation into this action should be conducted, either by the Park County Sheriff's Office or, preferably, by Wyoming DCI, and disciplinary action should be taken against those officers and the department leadership. Powell deserves better.

Finally, the people who attended did so expecting solutions. As none were even offered, the school board and Superintendent Jay Curtis have failed to do the job they are expected to do. Each member of the board and Mr. Curtis should immediately resign. If you can't do the job, get out of the way. You can be replaced, and we won't miss you anyway. You have proven your uselessness and your willingness to violate the citizens of Powell's constitutionally protected rights.

Troy Bray

Powell