Brevard Public Schools Prevails in Arbitration Case Filed by Brevard Federation of Teachers Over Satellite Teacher’s Non-Renewal
By Space Coast Daily // February 24, 2026
Arbitrator rules BPS acted within its rights, citing teacher’s repeated use of male name for female student without parental consent
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Public Schools (BPS) has prevailed in an arbitration case filed by the Brevard Federation of Teachers (BFT) regarding the non-renewal of Satellite High School teacher Melissa Calhoun.
The arbitration decision, issued February 19, confirmed that BPS acted within its authority and had grounds to non-renew Ms. Calhoun’s annual contract.
“This decision validates the district’s investigation and the facts we documented,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell.
“This was not simply a nickname or a casual classroom interaction. It was the repeated use of a male name for a female student — a clear participation in a student’s social gender transition without the required parental consent.”
Rendell added that Florida law clearly outlines a parent’s right to be informed and involved in matters concerning their child.
“Florida law is very clear about a parent’s right to be informed and involved, and our district is committed to upholding those rights every single day,” he said. “Our employees must follow the standards and legal requirements designed to protect students and support families.”
District officials emphasized that parental involvement is a foundational principle in BPS’s approach, maintaining that parents hold the fundamental right to guide their children’s upbringing.
According to the district, issues as sensitive and consequential as a student’s gender identity require families to be fully informed and engaged.
BPS also addressed what it described as misconceptions surrounding the case.
Some believed the matter involved a simple name preference, such as “Jim” instead of “James.”
District officials stated that was not the case, asserting the conduct involved active participation in a student’s social transition — a step they say requires parental knowledge and consent under district policy and state law.
Brevard Public Schools stated it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and protecting parental rights across the district.
