District reports Division 22 assurances for 2024–25; Title IX regulatory rollbacks prompted policy updates

Superintendent Dr. Bernal presented North Wasco County School District 21’s Division 22 assurance overview for the 2024–25 school year and explained that recent federal court action required the district to reverse earlier policy changes to align with current federal guidance.

Dr. Bernal told the board that Division 22 covers the administrative rules for public elementary and secondary schools and that the district reports on five categories of assurances: high‑quality learning experiences; aligned, focused educational systems; engaged partners and communities; safe and inclusive schools; and committed, supported staff. The presentation covered compliance for the 2024–25 year and noted that some waivers were in place statewide.

Separately, the board discussed rollbacks to policies AC (nondiscrimination/civil rights) and JFE (pregnant and parenting students) after a federal district court in Kentucky invalidated the 2024 Title IX regulatory updates. The district received guidance from OSBA (Oregon School Boards Association) and the U.S. Department of Education advising the rollback to the 2020 regulatory framework. Administrative regulations implementing complaint procedures were also rolled back as directed by OSBA guidance.

Board members received the informational updates and were told that the second readings of the revised policies had been included on the consent agenda earlier in the meeting. No new policy language beyond the required rollback was adopted at the meeting; staff will continue to monitor state and federal guidance and report back as rules evolve.