CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County schools officials have not made a decision yet on how to respond to the federal guideline handed down last week by President Obama’s Justice and Education departments regarding the use of school bathrooms by transgender students.

School Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Wilson said he just received the guideline on Monday.

“We’re looking at all our options, but no decisions have been made,” he said. “Right now, we’re working on next year’s budget and haven’t had time to discuss it.” The school year ends in two weeks and it’s unlikely a decision will be made before then.

The guideline states that transgender students must be allowed to use the restroom and dressing room that matches their gender identity. While the directive does not have the force of law, systems that do not comply could face lawsuits or the loss of millions of dollars in federal funding.

Wilson said White County receives about $4.5 million a year in federal money. “That’s a lot of money and I’m not sure how much of that the taxpayers are willing to pick up.”

Wilson added: “I wonder if there is a way to do this so that nobody loses their dignity. I do care about all kids and I think if one is struggling with their identity I’d like to help them. I don’t want to see them get beat up over it.”

Wilson said he visited schools in Europe and saw how they handled the problem.

“What they have done is to construct individual stalls inside every bathroom completely surrounded by walls so that people can go into the stalls and still maintain their own individual privacy,” he said. “The sinks are outside the stalls. I’m the father of girls and I don’t care if they wash their hands alongside the boys.”

Wilson said the issue could be discussed at the next Board of Education meeting, but more likely will wait until the budgeting process has concluded.