Siren board adopts updated Title IX and nondiscrimination policies amid ongoing litigation

The Siren School District Board of Education voted July 29 to adopt updated Title IX policy 1-13, its associated rule and exhibit, and an updated nondiscrimination policy (4-11).

An administrator (S4) presented an executive summary and said the district used model language provided by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards and consulted legal counsel. S4 told the board that while some Wisconsin districts have obtained limited injunctions against Department of Education enforcement, Siren is not on the list of affected districts, and the district was advised to move forward to remain in compliance.

Board members asked questions about the executive summary, coordinator roles and adoption dates. One member asked why the executive summary listed only one coordinator by name; administrators said they could add additional coordinator names or return the policy to the committee if members wanted more detail. The presenter emphasized the tight timeline for implementing the updated procedures and the district’s plan to provide training.

By motion and voice vote the board approved policy 1-13, its rule, and the associated exhibit and then approved the revised nondiscrimination policy. Administrators said policies can be revised later if court decisions or guidance change.

The board’s actions were framed as compliance with federal and state requirements, guided by legal counsel and association templates. There was no recorded public testimony opposing the adoptions during the meeting.