Granite Falls board adopts package of Title IX–aligned policy updates and orders staff training

The Granite Falls School District board on Aug. 28 approved a package of policy updates intended to align district procedures with Title IX rule changes that took effect Aug. 1, 2024, and asked staff to deploy training and updated handbook language before students and families receive new guidance.

Superintendent Dane Keesa introduced the study-session material and said the district will adopt new complaint procedures and revise nondiscrimination language across handbooks. "I am thrilled to be your new superintendent," Keesa said during a video message shown to trustees and staff. Presenters told the board the updates come from OSPI bulletins and model policy language referenced in the packet.

Jennifer Harmon, who identified herself as the staff member responsible for employee-related Title IX complaints, said the district will assign three staff members to Title IX duties: "myself, Jennifer Harmon, I take on any employee related Title 9 complaints," and named Rachel Quarterman as responsible for student-related complaints and Emily as the overall Title IX lead. The presenters said the district must manage two regulatory schemes depending on whether an incident occurred before or after Aug. 1, 2024.

Trustees approved first-and-second readings or adoptions for a set of policies to incorporate Title IX-related standards into handbooks and staff training, including amendments described in the meeting as the district’s nondiscrimination policy (policy 3205 or referenced packet number), adoption of policy 3206 (pregnant and parenting students), policy 5011 (staff nondiscrimination/harassment protections), and several other items listed in the board packet. Board members repeatedly asked staff to confirm whether volunteer or occasional parent helpers will be required to complete training; staff said they will verify whether training is mandated for volunteers and will follow up.

The board voiced a desire for neutral community messaging about the changes. One trustee said: the district should "stay incredibly neutral" and focus on serving students and families while following federal and state guidance. Staff said they will prepare modules to be incorporated into the district’s Safe Schools training and will add the materials to new-hire orientation.

The actions taken were procedural approvals to move the policies into the district’s handbooks and to schedule or require staff training; trustees did not alter the legal standards presented in the OSPI bulletin. The board and staff said they will continue to consult legal counsel as needed while implementing the revised complaint process.

Next steps: staff will finalize materials for staff training, confirm volunteer training requirements, publish updated Title IX coordinator information on the district website, and place the revised policies in handbooks for the coming school year.