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Board delegates superintendent authority to sign federal assurances on Title VI and FERPA amid ongoing guidance and litigation
Summary
Trustees unanimously delegated authority to the superintendent to execute federal assurances relating to Title VI (Civil Rights Act) and FERPA to preserve eligibility for federal grant funding while staff continue system reviews and await clarifying guidance.
The Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board voted unanimously to delegate authority to the superintendent to execute two letters of assurance requested by the U.S. Department of Education and the Arizona Department of Education concerning compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Superintendent Reynoldss told the board the district has reviewed its policies and systems for compliance and that cabinet is confident the district meets current legal requirements. He acknowledged that guidance is still evolving, particularly around terms such as “diversity, equity and inclusion,” and said the district will continue to monitor changes and adjust practices as clarifications emerge.
Trustees pressed staff on the scope and risks. Board member Mrs. Christiansen asked who determines compliance and whether there is an audit process; district leaders said the Arizona Department of Education ultimately evaluates compliance and that the district will continue to respond to any additional direction. Barragan said the district expects approximately $20,000,000 in federal funds for fiscal year 2025, and trustees asked what revocation of funds would look like; district leaders said they were confident but would continue to monitor clarifying guidance. The deadline to submit the requested assurances was referenced as April 30 for both the federal government and the Arizona Department of Education.
Board member Ms. Wani raised litigation concerns; district counsel and leadership indicated they are watching evolving cases but cannot predict when legal guidance will be resolved prior to the filing deadline. Trustees emphasized the need to keep the board informed during the transition to a new superintendent.
The motion to delegate execution of the assurances passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The assurances are tied to the district’s eligibility for federal grant funding. The board’s delegation was intended to ensure the district meets submission deadlines while staff continue policy reviews and track emerging legal guidance.
What’s next: District staff will continue reviewing language on websites and documents, communicate with principals and staff about any changes, and report updates to the board as clarifications and legal outcomes are available.
