Tyrrell county schools respond to Facebook post concerns.

This is a follow-up to the original article, concerning the Facebook post from Senator Bob Steinburg concerning Tyrrell county schools and an asserted complaint by a grandparent, concerning a virtual school play to Senator Bob Steinburg. 

Tyrrell county schools have clearly stated in a letter posted to their site, that the play did not involve sexuality or transgender roles. That they will continue to investigate this issue and take appropriate steps to ensure that they are teaching North Carolina’s standard course of study and complying with their school board policy on teaching controversial issues.

What we do know is that the play in question is “Fosters” by Kendra Thomas, with a summary: 

“This sweet, touching play loaded with monologues explores the special connection between abandoned animals in need of homes and foster children who often feel alone in this world. “

A play by Kendra Thomas

In subsequent posts, Senator Bob Steinburg asserted that;

”there is more to the story than this. Check my update on the post.”  “we will see something this week”.

Facebook – Bob Steinburg

Updated Facebook post from Senator Bob Steinburg;

“UPDATE:

********Apparently the play does NOT have a part that is a transgender. However, there is a TV show – the FOSTERS- based on this play where one of the characters has been cast as a transgender. Where did this 11 year old student hear this? Obviously he was traumatized as were his parent and grandparent. I know this family well and they are a very strong Christian family who are extremely upset. It should not even have been mentioned in the classroom if it indeed was. I’m confident this boy did not make it up. He heard it! I am continuing to seek info on where. 

*******

Folks- you better start getting involved in your local schools;  and schools- get back to what we are paying you to do- teaching our students academics! We will handle the social issues in our homes.”

Facebook – Bob Steinburg

While highlighting that the play does not have a part that is transgender, an earlier ABC TV series named “The Fosters” where one of the characters is transgender is highlighted in the update.    The series was about a lesbian couple who were raising their five biological, adopted, and foster kids with the series ending in 2018. Senator Bob Steinburg asserting that “it should not even have been mentioned in the classroom if it indeed was” in his Facebook comments. Senator Bob Steinburg however reaffirms his call to action, relating to more parent involvement in local schools and teaching academics.

Tyrrell county schools website is https://www.tyrrell.k12.nc.us/, the site provides information and contact information.  The statement released by the county school leadership demonstrates that they are very engaged and appear to have processes in place to not only receive concerns or complaints but are very active in responding to issues raised.