Kent School District reviews six policy updates, reinstates 2020 Title IX procedures

The Kent School District Board on March 26 held a policy work session to review six policies, including a motion to reinstate the district’s 2020 Title IX procedures after a federal court vacated the 2024 Title IX regulations.

Board President Margell opened the session and turned the discussion to Deputy Superintendent Behringer and Pam Holly, the district’s policy coordinator, who walked the board through six items: the Title IX policy reinstatement, a new physical education and health policy, a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) policy, a highly capable programs policy, an academic acceleration policy required by House Bill 1599, and an updated policy on alternative learning experiences. Policy 5050 (contracts) returned for second reading at the board’s direction.

The Board recessed the policy review, and staff and legal counsel explained why Title IX policy language must align with current federal regulations. Deputy Superintendent Behringer and legal counsel Mr. Leonard told the board that a nationwide U.S. District Court decision on Jan. 29 vacated the 2024 Title IX regulations and effectively returned regulatory expectations to the 2020 rule set. For that reason, staff recommended reinstating the district’s 2020 Title IX policies and retiring policy language that depended on procedures in the 2024 regulations.

Pam Holly said the district would present revised policy language on the regular meeting consent agenda to update titles and dates as required. Mr. Leonard explained that Title IX regulations provide the framework for investigatory procedures; because state law does not fully duplicate Title IX’s investigation framework, the district’s investigatory procedures must match the active federal regulation (now the 2020 regulations).

Board members asked how the district could offer greater protections than the Title IX floor if the board wished. Legal counsel and staff said the district could adopt local board policies that provide higher protections, but those protections would not be “tied to Title IX” and would stand as district policy rather than Title IX procedure. Discussion emphasized the difference between statutory authority and administrative procedures required for federally governed processes.

The work session also covered the four academic and support policies as first readings. Pam Holly said Policy 2124 (physical education and health) was new to the district and was separated from nutrition policy to place instruction-related matters in the instructional series. The MTSS policy (2163) followed a recent board presentation; staff said the district has begun MTSS work and is now moving toward a districtwide, systemic approach that combines academic and behavioral supports. Karen Stevens, who oversees highly capable services, told the board that the district screens for highly capable services at second grade because multiple measures at that age provide more reliable identification — though the district provides differentiated services beginning in kindergarten.

On academic acceleration, staff explained House Bill 1599’s requirements and the district’s move to automatically enroll students who meet or exceed state standards into the next-most rigorous course, while preserving parental opt-out. Board members asked about parents or students seeking to “opt in” earlier than placement data would indicate; staff said principals typically have discretion to place students in more rigorous courses and that schools have historically adjusted placements by request, though contract and scheduling constraints can limit seats in certain classes.

On alternative learning experiences (ALE), staff said significant statutory changes since the district’s last revision require updated language around full-time equivalency documentation, truancy reporting and assessment. Staff said partnerships such as work-based learning and the city’s hybrid internship arrangements fit ALE models when they meet ALE statutory requirements for hours and documentation.

The board did not vote on the first readings; staff said several items will return on the consent agenda or for second reading as appropriate. The board’s policy coordinator committed to bring revised Title IX and related policy language to the next consent agenda with clarified dates and retirement language for superseded rules.

Looking ahead, staff said the district will post policy drafts for public review and ensure investigatory procedures align with the 2020 Title IX regulations. The board signaled general support for aligning its procedures with current federal guidance while retaining authority to adopt local protections beyond the Title IX minimums.