Prescott School Board approves new MOU with EF High School Exchange program

The Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) Governing Board convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss several key policy changes and agreements aimed at enhancing the educational environment. The meeting highlighted significant updates to Title IX harassment definitions and the approval of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with EF High School Exchange.

One of the most notable discussions centered on revisions to the Title IX policy. The board reviewed changes that redefine harassment to include incidents that are both "severe and pervasive," raising the standard for what constitutes harassment. The updated policy also mandates that complaints must be submitted in writing, rather than orally, and outlines specific procedures, timelines, and forms required for reporting incidents. Additionally, the new policy stipulates that incidents occurring outside the United States will not qualify as Title IX harassment, a shift from the previous policy.

The board expressed appreciation for the thoroughness of the policy review process, acknowledging the complexity of the changes. Members emphasized the importance of clear guidelines to ensure proper handling of harassment complaints.

In another significant agenda item, the board considered an MOU with EF High School Exchange, which aims to facilitate the hosting of foreign exchange students at Prescott High School. This agreement allows PUSD to work with multiple organizations to bring exchange students to the district, enhancing cultural diversity and providing students with international experiences. The board noted the positive track record with EF and the benefits of exposing students to different cultures.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adopt the proposed changes to the ASBA policies and the MOU with EF High School Exchange, both of which were unanimously approved by the board. These decisions reflect PUSD's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive educational environment while expanding opportunities for student engagement with global cultures.