Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Policy Updates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Superintendent briefs board on federal nondiscrimination guidance, WIAA rule change and strategic planning
Summary
At the Feb. 25 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Burgos told the Shorewood School Board the district has reviewed recent federal guidance and state athletic‑association changes and is monitoring legal guidance while continuing local policy work.
At the Feb. 25 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Burgos told the Shorewood School Board the district has reviewed recent federal guidance and state athletic‑association changes and is monitoring legal guidance while continuing local policy work.
Dr. Burgos said the district received a Dear Colleague letter from the Office for Civil Rights addressing Title VI nondiscrimination obligations and that district staff and counsel believe Shorewood remains in compliance with monitoring requirements for federal funds. "Districts should not overreact to it, but also not underreact to it," she said, describing the district's approach as cautious and coordinated with DPI and legal advisors.
The superintendent also told the board that Title IX regulations had been rolled back to the 2020 guidance and that, on Feb. 19, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) repealed some prior participation options for transgender students. "Transgender students now are only allowed to practice with students from their school, on a team that they most identify with. They are not allowed to play in competitions with other schools," she said, adding that district administrators have discussed the rule and its implications for Shorewood because the district is a WIAA member.
Dr. Burgos said the district will continue to communicate developments to staff and families through superintendent reports and staff newsletters and will consult legal counsel if an immediate action is required. She emphasized that local school boards determine curriculum and district policy and said none of the recent executive orders she reviewed directly required immediate local action.
On strategic planning, the superintendent said the district's committee met Feb. 22, reached consensus on a promise statement and identified potential learner traits and priority pillars; the work will continue as staff refine goals and tactics and seek further community input. She also reported on ongoing professional development focused on data systems and assessment protocols, and noted upcoming assessments including the ACT and state forward exams.
Dr. Burgos encouraged board members to watch for district communications on legislative advocacy resources and upcoming community events.
