Westminster School Trustees Demote Leader

The three Westminster School District trustees who clashed with education officials and parents over an antidiscrimination law deposed the board president Thursday night, saying he failed to represent the wishes of the majority.

The 3-2 vote in front of an overflow audience of angry community members stripped James Reed of his title and certain administrative powers, but he will continue to serve as an elected trustee of the district.

“Jim Reed has repeatedly expressed contempt for the decisions of this governing board,” according to a statement read on behalf of trustee Helena Rutkowski, who brought the matter before the board. “Mr. Reed is in dereliction of duty by refusing to represent this board and therefore should be removed.”

The reshuffle comes after months of conflict over whether the district would comply with the state antidiscrimination law meant to protect gays, transsexuals and others who do not conform to traditional gender roles.

The majority -- Rutkowski, who assumed the presidency, also on 3-2 vote; Judy Ahrens and Blossie Marquez-Woodcock -- refused to adopt the law’s language word for word, saying it offended their Christian beliefs by immorally allowing people to define their gender.

Reed, Trustee Jo-Ann Purcell, teachers and many parents have angrily accused the board majority of discrimination and putting their beliefs ahead of students’ interests.

With state officials threatening to withhold millions in funding, the three trustees ultimately avoided the sanctions by revising district policy enough to technically comply with the law.

Reed struggled to maintain order at the emotional meetings in March and April, during which board members often traded insults with one another and the audience. The board majority frequently accused him of failing to follow district bylaws and parliamentary procedures that dictate how agenda items should be discussed and votes taken.

Before handing the gavel over to Rutkowski, Reed said: “I find it laughable that Miss Rutkowski’s perception of my dereliction of duty needs to be considered tonight.” He said he regretted that he “must now pass the gavel to someone who has not served with respect and honor,” drawing an extended standing ovation from the crowd.

The district may be headed for another confrontation similar to the gender debate.

Late Thursday, trustees were expected to discuss a new state law meant to streamline sex and AIDS education. The law requires parents to write a letter to their district if they do not want their children in the classes. Since 1999, however, Westminster has followed the more cautious “opt-in” policy that keeps students out of the classes unless parents sign a waiver.

A state lawyer has said it’s not yet decided whether a policy like Westminster’s is illegal.