Mahtomedi board renews Minnesota State High School League membership 4–2 amid Title IX and lawsuit concerns

The Mahtomedi Public School District Board voted 4–2 on July 14 to renew its membership in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) for the 2025–26 school year after a lengthy discussion about fairness, student safety and legal exposure.

Board members debated whether current MSHSL policy that allows biological male athletes to compete in girls' sports raises fairness and safety concerns for female athletes while state and federal guidance remain in legal dispute. Director Dillman, who delivered prepared remarks supporting renewal, said the league “provides essential access to competitive athletics and activities that enrich the lives of Mahtomedi students,” but added, “While I respect all students and support inclusive environments, this policy raises serious issues of fairness, safety, and legal conflict.”

Madam chair Stout emphasized the board’s priority on students’ experiences. “I do want all of our Zephyrs to know that this board, obviously, we put them first,” she said, and urged the board to follow up with the league if issues arise. Other board members pressed for more transparency from MSHSL and suggested district representatives consider regional committee participation to better influence league decisions.

Board members also raised legal questions: at least one director noted there is an active lawsuit that names the Minnesota State High School League and three high schools. A director asked about potential financial exposure and whether the district could be held liable; the superintendent and board members said they would follow up with counsel and the league. One director asked whether the board could add caveats or conditions to approval; members discussed preparing hypothetical caveats in advance but did not adopt specific conditions at the meeting.

Motion and vote details: a motion to approve renewal was moved (recorded in the transcript as moved by Director Dillman) and seconded by Director Whitson. The board then conducted a roll-call vote: Director Dolman (recorded as 'Aye'), Director Peterson (Nay), Madam chair Stout (Aye), Director Donna (No), Dr. Regan (Aye), and Dr. Whitson (Aye). The motion carried 4–2.

The board recorded its intention to follow up with MSHSL and to seek additional information from legal counsel if necessary. No special meeting was scheduled; the board indicated it would address any emergent issues as they arise.

Next steps: district staff were asked to follow up on legal exposure, to inquire whether MSHSL can provide the district hypothetical guidance during active litigation, and to explore options for greater district involvement in MSHSL regional committees.