Merton board delays final action on new Title IX policy, schedules July 30 meeting

The Merton Community School District Board of Education conducted a first reading of proposed Title IX-related policies on July 17 and decided not to adopt final changes immediately, instead scheduling a special meeting for July 30 at 7:15 p.m. to consider approval after receiving additional legal clarity.

Superintendent (S1) told trustees that the draft presented at the meeting follows recently issued federal administrative rules and that the administration’s recommendation is to keep the existing nondiscrimination policy in place while adding a second, new policy so the district can be prepared for an August 1 implementation date and for the possibility of court injunctions. “the recommendation was is to change and to have 2 concurrent policies,” the superintendent said.

Trustees debated whether the board should postpone discussion because of recent litigation and uncertainty about which districts a court injunction might cover. Chair (S2) and other members noted that the session was a first reading — intended for review and public information — rather than a final vote, and argued the board should use the meeting to inform the community and prepare options ahead of the federal deadline. The board approved the meeting’s agenda 4–1, with member Dobbertin recorded as opposed.

Board members exchanged sharply different views about the federal rule change and its implications for students and staff. Board member (S3) emphasized protections for transgender students and cited research on student well-being, while Board member (S4) described the policy change as a conflict with personal religious beliefs, stating, “This is an affront to God in my heart.” The superintendent and several trustees reiterated that existing harassment and student-discipline procedures remain in force and that investigations and informal resolutions would continue while the board determines which incidents fall under the new Title IX definitions.

Trustees also discussed reports about a Kansas court case and organizations named in that litigation — including Young America’s Foundation, Female Athletes United, and Moms for Liberty — and whether the district might appear on a list of schools temporarily exempted from implementing the new rules. The board asked the superintendent to continue consulting with legal counsel and with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) to clarify obligations and protections, and the superintendent said the draft policy was reviewed with WASB and district counsel and that WASB and the district’s insurance would provide legal support if the policy were adopted and later challenged.

Rather than take immediate action, the board agreed to place an informational Title IX update on the July 22 agenda and to hold a special meeting on July 30 at 7:15 p.m. to consider final approval if more information is available. The meeting concluded after the board moved and seconded to adjourn.

What’s next: The board will publish the policy materials in the board packet and on the district website and will revisit the proposal at the July 22 information item and the special July 30 meeting. No final policy vote was taken on July 17.