During the recent MSAD 52 Board of Directors meeting held on May 17, 2025, community members voiced strong opinions regarding transparency and parental rights in school policies, particularly concerning newly discovered transgender guidelines. The meeting began with a reminder from the chair about the importance of civility and the structure of public comments, emphasizing that personal grievances against staff would not be addressed in this forum.

Diane Rimes from Green opened the public comment section by expressing her support for board member Anthony Shostak, praising his efforts to keep taxpayers informed and advocating for transparency in school matters. Rimes highlighted the community's right to be informed about school board activities, stating, "Transparency equals trust."

Crystal Nicholas, also from Green, raised concerns about the accessibility of the MSAD 52 transgender guidelines, which she claimed were not adequately communicated to parents. She criticized the lack of transparency, stating that parents had difficulty finding important documents and expressed alarm over potential violations of parental rights under the new guidelines. Nicholas urged the board to ensure these guidelines are made public, emphasizing the need for parents to be informed about decisions affecting their children.

Support for Shostak continued as Bob Manchester from Turner commended his ability to navigate complex issues and articulate practical solutions. He called for more open discussions on sensitive topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion, which he noted are often avoided due to their divisive nature.

Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, with several community members expressing their appreciation for Shostak's commitment to transparency and accountability. Judy Manchester and John Ryan, both from Turner, reiterated their support for Shostak, highlighting his willingness to listen to community concerns.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for transparency in school governance, particularly regarding policies that directly impact students and their families. As discussions continue, the board faces the challenge of balancing community concerns with the complexities of educational policy. The next steps will likely involve addressing these transparency issues and ensuring that parents are adequately informed about school guidelines and decisions.