Board refers Title IX policy changes to policy committee after contentious motion

Board member Tim moved that the superintendent prepare revised policy language to align district policies with his interpretation of the original Title IX and to require designated private spaces and specified team separations in athletics; he later amended the timeline so the policy committee would present a first reading by the May 6 board meeting.

"I'd like to make a motion to direct the superintendent to, 1, assist the board in amending all district policies to align with the original intent of Title 9..." Tim said during debate. Administrators and other board members pressed for more time and legal clarity: Superintendent Dr. Foley and facilities director Joel cautioned that state law, MPA guidance and potential litigation complicate a unilateral change. Joel told the board, "You can certainly request that of our programs, but you still have to declare... whether you allowed transgender athletes or not," describing tournament and MPA implications.

The discussion reviewed three model policy letters referenced by other districts (ACAE, ACDC, AC‑R) and a legal briefing the board received in executive session. Board members expressed divided views: some said following the federal interpretation reduced legal risk, while others said state law or MPA rules could create litigation either way. Tim agreed to amend his original timeline; the board voted unanimously to send the draft policy language to the policy committee with the goal of a first reading by May 6.

The board did not adopt final policy language at the meeting; the policy committee will draft language, research the scope of required changes across multiple policies and return to the board for formal consideration.