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Student urges dyslexia support; resident argues Title IX applies beyond athletics
Summary
A Hoffman Estates High School student told the board that dyslexia affects about 15% of people and urged adoption of targeted programs, while a resident argued Title IX governs equal access across academic and extracurricular programs, not only sports.
During the public‑comment period, two members of the community urged the Board of Education to focus on student supports and policy interpretation.
Camille Biss, a student at Hoffman Estates High School, told the board she was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 10 and described the academic and emotional challenges she and others face. "Around 15% of people have dyslexia. Sadly, 40 percent of those people also experience depression," Biss said, and urged the board to approve programs and teacher training to help students succeed.
The board president thanked Biss "for the courage to come up and talk to us," and members expressed appreciation for the personal perspective; the administration did not pledge a specific program during the meeting but acknowledged the need to support students eligible for fee waivers and other services.
Later in the public comment period, Lee Bennett, a district resident, argued Title IX is a broad civil‑rights law covering access to all educational programs, not solely athletics. Bennett said the law requires schools to consider equal access across music, drama and other offerings and cautioned administrators and the board about expecting athletic directors to resolve participation imbalances alone.
Both speakers received thanks from the board; no formal policy action was taken during the meeting. The district’s staff later noted that fee waivers and community and foundation resources are used to assist families eligible for free or reduced‑price meals.
