Academy School District No. 20 votes to join School District 49 lawsuit over transgender participation policy

The Academy School District No. 20 Board of Education voted to join the federal lawsuit School District 49 v. Sullivan (case number cited at the meeting as 25-CV-1463), approving participation by a 4-1 vote after a public discussion of costs, timing and legal effects.

The board's action followed a presentation and Q&A with the district's superintendent, the deputy chief financial officer and two attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the case. President Shandy called the agenda item and the board discussed whether joining the suit would protect the district from separate complaints or litigation related to a forthcoming district policy on transgender student participation in athletics.

"The overall cost of this litigation that we are estimating, and this is through a trial ... is $1,500,000," said Mr. Ellis, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiff group. He told the board he expected Academy District 20's share, under the draft engagement agreement, to be "probably under $300,000 ... actually closer to about $250,000 or 240." Mr. Ellis said the near-term cost through briefing on an anticipated motion to dismiss would be "on the order of probably…