SPOONER — A Title IX policy update regarding non-discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities did not change following discussion at the Spooner School Board’s Committee of the Whole meeting Monday, July 1.
Before discussion, Heather Fleishauer asked whether, if the policy abides by current law, it would be OK to adopt it then and it would become obsolete if the court overturned the laws. Board Vice President Nathaniel Melton said no, as current lawsuits only apply to seven states, and Wisconsin hasn’t taken this matter up yet for lawsuit.
Supt. Dr. David Aslyn said this policy is a new rule put in place by a federal executive order, which was then sent down to the states.
Board Treasurer Andrew Melton said his concern would be liability on both sides, and the policy would be to protect not just females but all students.
“I say we just need to slow down as a district,” he said, adding that the district already has non-discriminatory policies in place.
Board President Joe Weiss said if the board does not act at all, it would revert to its other Title IX policy. He suggested tabling the policy until the next committee meeting since the full board is the one that takes action.
Regarding a section of the proposed policy that discusses non-discrimination against those who are pregnant or lactating, board member John Hedlund asked whether infants are allowed in the school.
A staff member said that personally, she would not bring an infant to school, but there is a quiet, private site for persons to breast pump.
Board member Terry Asleson said a school does have to provide such a space for staff members.
A motion was made to forward the policy to the full board meeting on July 15, but it failed 5-2, with members Hedlund, Weiss, Andrew Melton, Nathaniel Melton and Michelle Jepson voting no and members Asleson and Meagan Benson-Moreau voting yes.
“So it dies right here,” said Weiss. “We do have a Title IX policy on the books right now.”
In other action Monday night, the committee:
Heard the annual Health Office report from Leah Foley.Moved first readings of the district wellness policy and Neola policy and a second reading of a Neola policy to the July 15 meeting.Discussed a two-year hockey facility agreement with the Spooner Area Youth Hockey Association with the same costs as last year, to partner with Shell Lake School District, and moved it to the full board.Discussed the annual renewal for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association membership, with no change in fees, and forwarded it to the full board.Discussed 2024-25 academic standards, an annual requirement.Forwarded a fence proposal for a permanent fence around the soccer field to the full board.Heard the financial update from Aslyn, who said they had $199,867 income in May, $1.5 million in expenditures that month and $5.8 million now in cash on hand, compared to $4.9 million last May.
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