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Marlborough resident urges Region 8 to adopt written Title IX oversight and hiring protocols
Summary
At public comment, Tara Monge asked Region 8 to adopt written Title IX protocols, standardized coach hiring and conflict-of-interest safeguards, exit interviews and neutral oversight to ensure equitable female athletic programs; the board acknowledged the concerns and said administration would consider steps.
During the public-comment segment of the Region 8 Board of Education meeting, Marlborough resident Tara Monge urged the district to formalize procedures to ensure Title IX compliance and consistent oversight of athletic programs.
Monge said she was not there to assign blame but to promote governance, accountability and prevention. Citing the district’s Title IX guidance, she said federal rules require prompt and effective responses to conduct that may constitute sex discrimination and that silence or delay can create harmful optics for female student-athletes. "We respectfully request documented review, clear communication, and concrete steps demonstrating how the district is ensuring compliance with its Title IX responsibilities and restoring confidence and equitable leadership," Monge said.
Requested elements included written protocols for equitable hiring of coaches using objective criteria and conflict-of-interest safeguards, consistent evaluation standards across boys’ and girls’ programs, structured exit interviews conducted by a neutral review body with parent and administration representation, regular documented reviews of athletic-director actions, and training or oversight that emphasizes prevention rather than punishment.
Board reaction: Members thanked Monge for raising concerns. There was no immediate formal board action during the meeting; administration did not offer a specific timeline for adopting new protocols but acknowledged the need to consider the requests. The matter can be advanced through district administration or the policy subcommittee for possible action or policy language.
Source: Public comment by Tara Monge at the Region 8 Board meeting on Feb. 1, 2026.
