Elkhorn school board joins statewide coalition asking U.S. Department of Education for Title VI clarification

The Elkhorn Area School District Board of Education voted to join a Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WIL) coalition asking the U.S. Department of Education to provide clarification on how Title VI compliance certifications should be handled.

Board discussion centered on inconsistent guidance from state and federal authorities over whether state certification satisfies federal Title VI requirements tied to charter-school grant eligibility. A board member summarized the issue: "We already submitted ours," and said the board's request for clarification aligns with similar requests by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, which has asked for more direction from the U.S. Department of Education.

Board members and staff described disagreement among states and departments over whether the state's certification of local districts is sufficient to meet federal obligations. The board's packet and discussion referred to a letter request circulating from the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty asking the U.S. Department of Education to issue clearer guidance.

The motion to join the WIL coalition was moved and seconded and approved by roll-call vote. The clerk read roll-call votes in which board members recorded affirmative votes (names recorded on the roll call: Tara Barton; Mrs. Ingersoll; Mrs. Kotstock; Mrs. Rekley; Mrs. Vaughn; Mrs. Corpus). The board directed that the district sign onto the coalition letter asking the U.S. Department of Education for clarification.

Board members said the request was intended to reduce confusion and potential legal risk for districts, and to align local practice with whatever federal guidance follows. No local policy change was adopted as part of the action.

The board's approval authorizes district staff to sign the coalition letter on behalf of the Elkhorn Area School District Board of Education.