School board votes 4-2 to renew Minnesota State High School League membership amid Title IX, transparency and legal concerns

The Mahtomedi Public School District (Independent School District 832) School Board voted 4-2 on July 14 to renew its 2025–26 membership in the Minnesota State High School League, enabling students to participate in league athletics and activities this school year.

The vote came after roughly 20–30 minutes of discussion in which board members raised concerns about the league’s policies on transgender athletes, the possibility of legal exposure for member districts, and what several described as limited transparency from the league. District staff said the district must act before the July membership deadline to ensure students can compete.

The membership resolution allows the district’s students to enter Minnesota State High School League competitions for the 2025–26 school year. District staff advised the board that if the board declined to approve membership at the meeting, the board would need to schedule a special meeting before the membership deadline for students to retain eligibility.

Barb, a district staff member who answered board questions about timing and legal guidance, said: “We…