The Fremont-Mills School District faces controversy after its board rejected the contract of Ace Rios as a band and music teacher during a regular meeting Wednesday evening. KMAland.com reported that the decision resulted from a 2-2 vote with one member abstaining, meaning the tie defeated the resolution to hire.
Rios, a former substitute teacher in Omaha who accepted the position in July, told KMTV he was discriminated against because he is transgender. He expressed concern that the rejection sends a negative message to LGBTQ-plus students, citing his own experience of being kicked out of his home at age 16. Rios stated he had received support from school staff and plans to contact legal counsel regarding the matter.
Superintendent David Gute told KMA News that the district declines to comment on individual personnel matters in accordance with the law. Gute stated that all hiring decisions are informed by the application and interview process and are subject to board approval. He emphasized that the goal of these procedures is providing an effective learning environment for students.
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