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District 97 presents ISBE/Press policy updates including Title IX procedural changes and added curriculum requirements
Summary
District staff reviewed proposed board policy changes sent by ISBE/Press, including removing Title IX references from the UGP procedure, naming Title IX coordinators/complaint managers, adding mandated instruction on fentanyl dangers and new career‑development requirements for grades 6–8.
District 97 staff presented updates to board policy language sourced from ISBPress issue updates during the March 18 meeting. Luis Rodriguez, who presented the policy packet, said most changes were minor editorial updates; four substantive revisions were highlighted for board feedback and future adoption.
Substantive changes noted by staff include: - Title IX handling: The proposed change removes Title IX complaint procedures from the district’s Uniform Grievance Procedure (UGP) language and clarifies that complaints under Title IX follow federal Title IX grievance procedures (which can change under federal rulemaking). - Complaint roles: The update names district coordinators and complaint managers for harassment and discrimination complaints, clarifying who receives and manages such complaints. - Health and safety curriculum: The curriculum policy would add mandated instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and resource conservation/climate change education beginning in 2026. - Career development: The policy would add a requirement for career‑development activities for students in grades 6–8.
Luis Rodriguez said most edits are administrative and that the policy committee reviewed substantive wording in advance of a public reading and a vote at a future meeting. A board member asked whether the coordinator and complaint manager roles differ; Rodriguez explained complaint managers typically receive and handle initial reports while the coordinator provides oversight and support.
Why it matters: Changes to grievance and curriculum policy clarify internal roles and reflect state/federal requirements, particularly where Title IX procedures are governed by federal regulations. The board will receive the final draft before a formal adoption vote.
Ending: Staff said they will publish the proposed policy updates for public review and return for a board vote at a subsequent meeting.
