Board reviews gender-equity policy changes tied to state law; staff to develop operational guidance

The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education reviewed a first reading of proposed revisions to board policy IDFA on gender equity in sports at its Sept. 2 meeting. Staff said the changes respond to recent state legislation referenced in the discussion as SB1 and the Riley Gaines Act, which, according to staff remarks, define male and female by biological designation and require district policies to reflect those statutory definitions for school athletics.

Why it matters: The revised language narrows policy definitions to align with the state statute referenced by staff and updates timelines and grievance procedures tied to extracurricular athletics.

What was presented Mister Hettinger, who introduced the item for board review, said the district had an acceptable-use policy and that IDFA revisions are a mid-period review following legislative changes. He told the board the document on tonight’s agenda was a first read and would return for a second read and possible adoption in October.

Staff said the administrative regulation adds procedural components required by the law and that the district’s Title IX coordinator (referred to as Mr. Ray) and athletics staff (including John Sanders and his team) will be involved in operationalizing the policy. Hettinger and other staff noted the district has followed guidance used by the Georgia High School Association on related matters and that the statutory definitions took effect at the start of the school year.

Key changes and operational issues Staff pointed to three practical changes in the administrative regulation: statutory definitions for male/female tied to the law, revised grievance-response timing (noted in the presentation as “within 2 days”), and clarifications around eligibility and safety as grounds for the policy. Board members asked whether principals and athletic directors had been or would be trained; staff said training and Title IX coordination will be part of operational rollout.

Public context and legal references Speakers referenced SB1, the Riley Gaines Act, and the Georgia High School Association as context. The board was told the changes are intended to make the district’s policy compliant with state law and to clarify administrative steps required when grievances arise.

Next steps No vote occurred; this was a first read. Staff said they will return to the board in October for a second reading and recommended adoption. Administrative training and specific operational guidance for principals and athletic directors were identified as immediate follow-ups before implementation.