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 do have to take action by the July. So if we wanted to…not take action tonight, we would have to schedule a special meeting in order to have this vote later, or our students wouldn't have the opportunity to participate in State High School League.”

Several board members said they supported renewal while urging continued engagement with the league. One director said they supported renewing membership “because the MSHSL provides essential access to competitive athletics and activities that enrich the lives of Madamita students,” but added concerns that the current league policy "allows biological male athletes to compete in girls' sports," which the director said raised "fairness, safety, and legal conflict" issues tied to Title IX and ongoing litigation.

Board members discussed options short of withdrawal, including asking for more transparency from the league, sending a board representative to regional MSHSL committees, and preparing district-level caveats or guidelines to apply in hypothetical situations should disputes arise. Multiple directors said they preferred to keep students' participation intact for the coming season while monitoring legal developments.

Board members also noted there is an active lawsuit naming the Minnesota State High School League and three high schools; the board did not have a full legal analysis of district exposure at the meeting. When asked whether membership could expose the district financially or legally, staff and board members said they did not have a definitive answer and that the district would follow up with counsel for clarification.

The roll call vote on the membership resolution was recorded as: Director Dolman — Aye; Director Peterson — Nay; Madam Chair Stout — Aye; Director Donna — No; Director Regan — Aye; Director Whitson — Aye. The motion carried 4 to 2. The mover was recorded in the meeting as Director Dillman and the motion was seconded by Director Whitson.

Votes at a glance

• Approval of donations and grants (June 2025), totaling $184,891.62 — Moved by Director Donna, seconded by Director Regan; discussion noted funds will be used according to donor wishes. Motion carried (voice vote).

• Approval of final reading of district policies — Recommended by the policy committee; moved by Director Donna and seconded by Director Doman; motion carried (voice vote).

• Motion to go into closed session for labor negotiation strategy under Minnesota Statute 13D.03 — Moved by Director Reekins, seconded by Director Donna; motion carried (voice vote) and the board entered closed session.

What happened next

After the membership vote the board indicated it would follow up with additional questions for staff and legal counsel about league transparency and the outstanding lawsuit. Several board members said they wanted continued engagement with MSHSL in the coming weeks and the possibility of appointing a district representative to regional MSHSL committees.

The board took no immediate additional policy action tied to transgender athlete participation; members said they would address specific cases or policy responses if and when they arise.

(Reporting note: Direct quotes and procedural items are taken from the board’s July 14, 2025 meeting transcript; where the transcript used shorthand names, the article uses the board titles as recorded.)