The Naperville School District 203 Board of Education on Sept. 8 discussed Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) press-policy updates that reflect recent federal Title IX rule changes and include optional language on artificial intelligence in classrooms. The board took no action and staff said the recommended updates will return for a vote at the Sept. 22 meeting.

A public commenter, Jason Copeland, used the meeting’s public-comment period to criticize the board’s earlier handling of policies he linked to Title IX, saying the district risked federal enforcement. Copeland told the board: “Some members of this board are openly considering breaking federal law… Title IX is federal law, and it's supreme over conflicting state or local guidance.” He warned of complaints and a Department of Education review.

District staff and board members discussed the practical effect of recent federal rule changes. Dr. Cohen, a district official who presented the memo, explained that the federal Title IX rules were effectively reverted to a 2020-era framework and that the 2024–25 rule shifts have been reflected in the press updates. Dr. Cohen and other staff told the board that, operationally, “it didn't change much” for district procedures and that the district had already updated its Title IX policy in 2024 to align with prior guidance.

Board member Mark Wolinski asked whether federal changes conflict with Illinois law. Staff responded that the Illinois Human Rights Act still provides protections for students and employees and that state statutes and case law guide local education operations. Rakita, identified in the record as the district’s Title IX coordinator, was cited by staff as the point person for questions about Title IX implementation and grievance processes.

Staff warned that protections can vary by jurisdiction for extrastate activities: if students participate in competitions or events outside Illinois, different state rules and the Illinois High School Association policies may govern procedures. The district said it will keep the board informed and that the uniform grievance policy remains a district avenue for complaints under state law.

No policy changes were adopted at the Sept. 8 meeting; the IASB press updates (files numbered in the district materials as press update 01/2018 and 01/2019 and related items) were scheduled for action at the board’s next meeting. Staff also told trustees that press-language recommendations typically come from a consortium of school attorneys and that adopting press policies as written helps keep district policy current with law and precedent.

Separately, trustees discussed optional press-policy language on AI-enabled tools for instruction and operations. Board members asked staff to provide the district’s existing guidance and implementation practices before formal adoption. Staff said the district already provides training and had purchased an AI tool for teachers, and that if the board adopts the optional language the designee would produce a districtwide plan and procedures.

The board received the discussion with no vote; items will return for potential action on Sept. 22.