Less than a week after an emotional meeting of the Edmonton Catholic School Board saw a number of heated exchanges the board chair issued an apology, and a clarification of the district’s handling of the situation.

On Monday afternoon, the Edmonton Catholic School Board issued two statements, one from Chair Debbie Engel, the other from the former teacher of the 7-year-old transgender student at the centre of the debate.

Engel apologized for how school trustees behaved during Tuesday’s board meeting.

During the three hour meeting, a number of arguments, interruptions, and even tears broke out while the board attempted to come to a consensus on a proposed policy for transgender students – in the end, the board put off making a decision.

The meeting deteriorated so far that Education Minister David Eggen responded sternly the next day, saying he was disappointed, and that there would be ‘consequences’ if a decision on policy wasn’t made.

While Engel apologized with how the meeting unfolded, she maintained what the board is considering is comparable to what other school districts are doing.

“I look at many of the boards that have policies; we are not doing anything differently, with respect to students that are transgender,” Engel said. “I cannot see how it can be a problem when it is so acceptable in other areas.”

Tuesday’s discussion came about following a controversy that started in May, 2015, when ECSB Trustee Patricia Grell went public with her support for the young girl, who had wanted to use the girls washroom instead of the facilities designated as gender-neutral.

On Monday, a statement from Engel outlined how the school had handled this particular case:

“Our practice at Edmonton Catholic Schools is for the school to work with the family and have ongoing dialogue with the family, school and student (depending on the student’s age).

In meeting the needs of this elementary student, we have done the following:

  • All staff refers to her by her chosen name and has from the first day of her formal transition, right after spring break.
  • She uses the ‘Girls’ washroom’ and also has the option of using the all gender washroom as do all students.  All gender washrooms are in place at all schools in our District.
  • She is treated as a girl and has been since she transitioned after spring break of the 2014/15 school year.
  • We have received criticism that we ‘outed’ the child. Given the nature of the timing of the transition, with the student remaining in the same class and school community, the transition was already public. 
  • Every decision made is the result of a collaborative ongoing dialogue with the family.
  • Staff at the school have also received sensitivity training to ensure that the child has a caring and respectful transition.
  • To our knowledge, there are no outstanding issues in meeting this child’s day to day needs. However, if there is a need that is brought to our attention, the dialogue still continues.”

A letter from the child’s teacher was also distributed, and said after spring break of 2015, the class was introduced to two “all gender bathrooms” that were available to any student – the teacher said: “The girl expressed on many occasions how excited she was to visit one of these bathrooms”.

The letter also said students had a choice of taking a “bathroom buddy” to go to the bathroom with them.

“Towards the end of the school year, the child attended to the girls’ bathroom right by our classroom and was just as happy to attend the girl’s bathroom,” The statement continued.

The teacher also said the principal at the school ensured staff was educated on the change – counsellors, psychologists and the priest were all brought in.

“We in turn were prepared to face any challenges and successes happening in our classrooms,” The letter concluded. “Nothing but love and acceptance was shown here at our school.”

The full letter can be found here.

In the past, the girl’s mother has said she felt singled out - CTV News reached out to the mom for comment, she has spoken a number of times on this issue, but requests for comment were denied.

CTV News has learned the Education Minister will meet privately with Edmonton Catholic Schools representatives Wednesday morning.

With files from Danelle Boivin