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Canton ISD board narrows discipline in Level III grievance, orders Title IX training and discipline matrix
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Summary
The Canton ISD Board of Trustees on Feb. 4, 2026 voted 7-0 to partially modify discipline in a Level III grievance involving student Cayden Lupplace, required comprehensive Title IX training for administrators and coaches, and directed staff to develop a district-wide discipline matrix consistent with board policy and Texas Education Code Chapter 37.
The Canton ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Feb. 4, 2026 to partially modify the disciplinary outcome in a Level III grievance concerning student Cayden Lupplace, require districtwide Title IX training for administrators and coaching staff, and direct development of a district discipline matrix.
Josh Wilkerson, vice president of the Canton ISD Board, moved that the board “modify Cayden Lupplace's discipline to reflect the four-day expulsion and nearly one month of ISS already served,” and to require Title IX training and a discipline matrix; the motion was seconded by Matt Dunn and carried 7-0. The minutes note that time not served remains and that “all relief not granted is denied.”
Why it matters: the board’s action adjusts an individual disciplinary finding while ordering broader policy and training changes the administration must implement. Board members framed the outcome as a mix of limited relief in a single case and system-level steps to ensure consistent discipline and compliance with federal Title IX requirements.
Meeting details and vote: the motion passed with recorded votes in favor by Matt Dunn, Dr. Leslea Evans, Catherine Irwin, Kenneth Pruitt, Julie Stern, Jack Thelen and Josh Wilkerson. The board convened two executive sessions under Texas Government Code sections 551.071 and 551.082 to consider the grievance; details discussed in closed session were not disclosed in the public minutes. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
What the board directed: the minutes record three specific board responses tied to the motion: that the modified discipline reflect a four-day expulsion and nearly one month of ISS already served; that comprehensive Title IX training for all administrators and coaching staff be ensured (board response: granted); and that the district develop and adopt a district-wide discipline matrix to ensure fair, consistent consequences (board response: the district will follow board policy and Texas Education Code Chapter 37).
Authorities and limits: the minutes cite the Texas Open Meetings Act as authority for the executive sessions and reference Texas Education Code Chapter 37 in relation to discipline policy. The board’s public action reflects what was recorded in open session; the executive-session deliberations are governed by the cited statutory exceptions and are not summarized beyond their start and end times in the minutes.
Next steps: the board’s direction requires administrative follow-through to design the discipline matrix and to implement the Title IX training; the minutes do not specify deadlines, responsible departments, or reporting requirements. The board adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Attendance and guests: the minutes list board members Kenneth Pruitt (president), Josh Wilkerson (vice president), Julie Stern (secretary), Matt Dunn, Dr. Leslea Evans, Catherine Irwin and Jack Thelen as present, along with Superintendent Dr. Brian Nichols. The minutes also list guests including Stacie Wilkerson, Dusty Spencer, Connor Robison, Rebecca Bain, Lauren Lupplace, James Lupplace and Steve Deville.