BATAVIA, NY -- A western New York school district has denied a request from five parents who asked that their children be taken out of high school classes being taught by a transsexual teacher.
Batavia city schools Superintendent Richard Stutzman says the written requests didn't meet the guidelines set out by the district.

The superintendent says other students attending Batavia High School were allowed to make schedule adjustments classes because their requests were based on changes in their academic programs.

Today is the first day of school in Batavia, midway between Buffalo and Rochester.

The Genesee County community has been embroiled in controversy since school officials announced a male teacher at the high school is going through a medical transition and is dressing as a woman.

School officials say the teacher will instruct about 100 students this year.