Transgender substitute teacher allowed to return to work at Lumb - 12 News KBMT and K-JAC. News, Weather and Sports for SE Texas

Transgender substitute teacher allowed to return to work at Lumberton I.S.D.

Lumberton Independent School District Superintendent John Valastro has decided to keep transgender substitute teacher Laura Jane Klug on the substitute roll with the district. 

Klug was met with opposition after parents complained that she as a transgender woman was causing a distraction among 10 and 11-year-old students. 

Klug most recently worked as a substitute at Lumberton Intermediate School for a fifth grade classroom. 

Klug was asked Tuesday not to return to the classroom pending a decision by the Superintendent.

Superintendent Valastro's decision came after a public forum Thursday night in which both supporters and opponents to having Klug in a classroom addressed the board. 

Klug is a part time employee.  She is not under contract.  This means the Board of Trustees has no say in Klug's employment or termination.  However, Valastro had Klug meet with trustees in executive session to discuss concerns parents had brought to the district. 

Klug was told that she would be allowed to return because the district wants to do what is right according to the law. 

Valastro only asked Klug to stay home for a couple of days so that things could calm down. 

"My only concern is now the kids know. I don't know what attention it will bring from the kids now," Klug said in a phone interview. 

Klug plans to return to subbing the middle of next week because she says she needs the source of income.