Brevard Superintendent Bars Teacher Amid Parental Rights Controversy

Melissa Calhoun, a former Brevard County teacher disciplined by the state for using a student's preferred name without parental consent, has retained her teaching license but remains barred from returning to Brevard Public Schools until her probationary period ends. Despite the Florida Department of Education allowing her to keep her license after a one-year probation, a $750 fine, and an ethics course requirement, Brevard superintendent Mark Rendell insists that Calhoun's actions were deliberate and refuses to rehire her at this time. The Brevard Federation of Teachers and some school board members argue that the superintendent is politicizing the issue and that Calhoun, who has over a decade of effective teaching experience, should be reinstated immediately. Calhoun herself expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing she had no malicious intent and wishes to return to teaching. The dispute highlights tensions over the parental rights in education law and has sparked varying opinions among the school board and the local community. The matter is scheduled for further discussion at the upcoming school board meeting.