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Board reviews Title IX policy updates, debates AP Seminar language and flag-display frequency
Summary
The board reviewed OSBA-recommended Title IX/civil-rights policy updates and debated proposed AP Seminar language for graduation sequencing; trustees also debated whether the pledge/flag opportunity should remain weekly or be changed to daily and agreed to treat it as a separate January agenda item.
The board considered a set of policy updates — most prompted by the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) — that include Title IX-related changes, additions to administrative regulations and the naming of a civil-rights coordinator. "Michelle Martin, who is our current Title 9 coordinator and will also be the civil rights coordinator, was in attendance," one presenter noted while walking through the AR language changes intended to make complaint processes clearer for nonprincipal supervisors.
AP Seminar: first reading and exemptions Superintendent Justin presented language that would place AP Seminar within a sequence of language-arts courses (English 1, English 2, AP Seminar and a language-arts elective), clarifying the board that the change is intended to replace an existing sequence rather than add a separate graduation requirement. The policy language also lists exemptions and accommodations for students who transfer late, are in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or otherwise in crisis.
Flag-display debate Trustees engaged in a broader discussion over a suggested change to the district's flag-display/pledge policy. One board member argued to "leave it at least once a week" to avoid politicizing the policy and to focus board time on academic priorities; others observed that some schools run daily announcements and suggested the policy could reflect a daily opportunity without mandating participation. The board directed staff to remove the flag item from the consent agenda and bring it back as a separate discussion and possible vote in January.
Process clarification Members also discussed the role of the policy committee versus the full board when a single trustee proposes a 'perspective' policy; staff agreed to seek OSBA guidance and clarified that the committee’s role is advisory and that final policy adoption is a full-board decision.
What’s next: several first readings were previewed for January adoption; the flag-display item will be scheduled as a standalone agenda item so the board can discuss and vote after hearing additional framing from staff and OSBA guidance.
