Winthrop board sends Title IX policy proposal to policy committee after heated exchange

A contentious motion over district policy and athletics prompted extended discussion and a unanimous directive to the policy committee.

Board member Tim moved to direct the superintendent to amend district policies to align with what he described as the "original intent of Title IX" and to require that private spaces and certain athletic teams be separated accordingly. The motion text in the transcript included redactions (marked "***") for some operational details, and several board members asked Tim to provide the motion in writing.

Superintendent Dr. Foley and Facilities Director Joel (on Zoom) said they needed time to assess the operational and legal implications. Joel said local athletic participation rules and MPA guidance constrain how teams can be structured and that schools must declare team participation rules to the MPA if they wish to continue to postseason competition. Other board members noted that legal counsel in executive session suggested waiting for further guidance because state law and executive orders appear to conflict with the course Tim proposed.

After debate, Tim agreed to amend the timeline in his motion. The revised motion directed the policy committee to draft policy language and have it ready for a first reading by the May 6 board meeting. The chair called the vote and the board unanimously agreed to send the motion to the policy committee; no final policy change was adopted that night.

Board members emphasized the need to study MPA rules, state law and the district’s obligations before adopting binding language affecting student participation in athletics. The motion record shows the board sought written language and additional legal clarity before proceeding to policy adoption.