Federal Title IX finding and state rules raise funding questions for district athletics
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Summary
Board members discussed a U.S. Department of Education finding about Minnesota permitting males in girls' sports and the potential loss of federal education funds; board member estimated the district could lose about $2 million this year if federal funding were withdrawn.
The St. Francis Area Schools board discussed a recent U.S. Department of Education finding that the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League may be allowing males to compete in girls’ interscholastic athletics, a practice the federal agency said could violate Title IX. The board reviewed possible ramifications for district participation in state-run athletics and for federal funding tied to Title IX compliance.
Carson summarized federal action: federal agencies concluded that, as announced, Minnesota permits males to compete in programs designated for females and the federal departments gave the state 10 days to respond. Carson said he had “read real quickly today that Minnesota did not provide a response in those 10 days,” and that further work and timelines would play out in the coming months.
A board member asked how much federal funding the district could lose; Carson said “about $2,000,000 is what we expect for this year.” Board discussion included reminders that the district must follow state law and state league rules if it participates in the state high school league.
During public comment, Richard (a community speaker) urged the district to follow Title IX and said more than 100 school boards had signed a petition asking districts to do so. A separate board member framed their support for the petition as not anti-trans but as a concern for fairness in interscholastic competition.
No formal policy change or vote on athletics eligibility was taken at the meeting. Board members said they would monitor developments at the federal and state level and follow any guidance or rule changes affecting district obligations and funding.