WATCH REPLAY: Brevard Public Schools Board Votes 4-1 to Uphold Non-Renewal of Teacher Citing Parental Rights
By Space Coast Daily // April 23, 2025
state law requires parental permission for students to use names other than their legal ones
WATCH REPLAY: The Brevard Pubic School Board voted 4-1 not to renew the contract of Melissa Calhoun, an Advanced Placement English teacher at Satellite High School, after she used a student’s chosen name without parental consent.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard Pubic School Board voted 4-1 not to renew the contract of Melissa Calhoun, an Advanced Placement English teacher at Satellite High School, after she used a student’s chosen name without parental consent.
The board cited the importance of parental rights as the reason, as District 3 BPS Board Member John Thomas made a case to reconsider the non-renewal.
In 2023, a state law was passed that requires parental permission for students to use names other than their legal ones, including names associated with gender identity.
Under the law, educators must obtain explicit permission from a student’s guardian before using a name other than the one that appears on official records.
“My intention is to support a teacher who made a mistake but deserves a penalty rooted in common sense, not what amounts to a career death sentence,” said Thomas.
“I fully support parental rights and in no way condone Ms. Calhoun’s actions. However, I firmly believe that the punishment must fit the offense, upholding both accountability and fairness.
“Unfortunately, the situation surrounding Ms. Calhoun’s retention has been turned into a broader ideological battle by the left. In the end, this only harms Ms. Calhoun, our students, and the reputation of Brevard Public Schools. We must uphold the law and DOE policy with both sound judgment and common sense.
“It’s my responsibility as a school board member to ensure our superintendent follows the laws and policies set by our state, while also holding our teachers accountable in a way that is appropriate, fair, and guided by common sense,” said Thomas.
“While I am disappointed that the motion did not pass, my greater concern lies with the broader message this decision sends as we work to protect parental rights while at the same time retaining highly qualified teachers in our classrooms. I believe the decision not to renew her contract sets a troubling precedent for how similar matters will be addressed moving forward,” said Thomas.
“As someone who served over 14 years in law enforcement, I strongly believe in upholding the law and following the rules. However, I also believe in the importance of discretion, common sense, and a balanced approach when applying judgment. Not every mistake warrants what amounts to the harshest possible penalty. In this case, I fear we have chosen a path that may discourage fair, corrective measures that promote accountability, growth, and second chances — values that should remain central to how we support both students and educators,” said Thomas.
BPS Board Members Megan Wright, Matt Susin, Katye Campbell and Chair Gene Trent voted to uphold Calhoun’s non-renewal, citing the board’s duty to honor parental authority and follow the law.
“If my daughters were experiencing a crisis and a teacher knew but didn’t tell me, that would be unacceptable,” said Wright. “Parental rights exist for a reason.”
Although the board left the door open for Calhoun to reapply for a position after the state review is concluded, her future with Brevard Public Schools remains uncertain.
“After a thorough investigation, it was determined that Ms. Calhoun’s actions were not in alignment with our expectations for conduct and professionalism,” said Wright. “The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.”
Related Story:Brevard Public Schools Board Member Megan Wright: ‘Media Coverage Has Misrepresented the Core Issue at Hand’
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