Board reviews revised policies for pregnant, parenting and married students; 10 excused days proposed

The Gadsden Independent Schools Board of Education reviewed first readings of updated policies covering programs for pregnant and parenting students and married students, and a related nondiscrimination regulation. The administration said the updates remove references to vacated 2024 Title IX rules and add a district standard of at least 10 days of excused absences for pregnant or parenting students.

The revisions matter because they clarify the district’s procedural approach while aligning administrative references with the current federal regulatory environment and the district’s goal to meet state and federal minimums. The changes also state how the district will support students returning after medical absences.

Director Mejia presented the student‑focused policies and said the documents had minimal changes after legal review. She said the district updated the policies after the 2024 Title IX regulations were vacated and therefore reverted references back to the 2020 Title IX rules. For pregnant and parenting students, Mejia said the revised policy adds at least 10 days of excused absences to support timely return to school while allowing the district to provide higher standards of support where appropriate.

A board member asked whether students could complete work virtually rather than returning in person. Mejia replied that the district can work case‑by‑case and that when a medical need exists the team convenes a Section 504 meeting to determine accommodations, which can include virtual options if appropriate.

These policies were presented for first reading; the transcript shows no vote. Administration advised the board that prior updates in July 2024 were made to align with the then‑applicable 2024 regulations and that reference language must be adjusted after the 2024 rules were vacated.