• Title IX 

    The School Board takes seriously its obligations to ensure that no student or employee suffers discrimination on the basis of sex, as defined in Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.  Title IX is a federal law, enacted in 1972, states: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

    Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive financial assistance.  Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment, which is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

    • An employee of the District conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the District on participation in unwelcome conduct;

    • Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s education program or activity;

    • Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, as defined by applicable law.

    Reporting Harassment/Discrimination  

    Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address listed for the Title IX Coordinator.  

    Title IX: Formal Complaint Reporting Form

    Next Steps

    After a report of sexual harassment has been made, the school and/or Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the individual affected by the alleged misconduct, provide supportive measures, discuss the grievance policy, and offer the opportunity for the complainant to file a formal complaint if the behavior meets the Title IX definition of sexual harassment.  If a formal complaint is filed, appropriate steps will be taken to investigate. Upon completing the investigation, the outcome will be shared with all stakeholders.

    Appeal Procedures

    If a party does not agree with the final determination made by the school or has concerns of noncompliance with Title IX or actions that would be prohibited by Title IX, he/she may appeal the determination in accordance with School Board Policy 2266.

    For the application of policy to include definitions, complaint process, supportive measures, determination of investigation, grievance process, final resolution, and the appeals process may be found under Board docs under Board Policy 2266 linked below. 

     

    Board Policy 2266 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities

     

    For all Title IX related matters, contact Ms. Valerie Wenrich, Title IX Coordinator* and Chief Human Resources Officer, at (239) 377-0351, or at 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, Florida 34109.

     

    Training Materials for the 2023 - 2024 School Year

    Title IX Basics

    Title IX Investigator / Decision-Maker Level 1

    Title IX Coordinator

    Title IX Decision-Maker Appeals

    Title IX Informal Resolution

    Title IX Athletics

    Title IX Putting Policy Into Practice Series

    2022 Coordinator Refresher and Update Course

    2022 Investigator Refresher and Update Course

    2021 Decision-Maker Refresher and Update Course

     

    Parallel Response

     

    Trauma Informed Practice

     

    Accommodating Pregnant and Parenting Students

     

    Applying Violence Risk Assessment in Title IX

     

    Title IX Interviewing Skills I 

     

    Title IX Interviewing Skills II

     

    Emergency Removals Under Title IX

     

    Staff Policies and Procedures Training Video (including Title IX)

     

    Notification of Non-Discrimination

    The District School Board of Collier County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and/or gender identity), disability, or age in the provision of educational opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits. The District School Board does not discriminate on the basis of sex or disability in the education programs and activities that it operates, pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, respectively. The right not to be discriminated against extends to both employees and students of the District and shall include equal access to designated youth organizations in conformity with the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act. The following personnel should be contacted for inquiries about their rights or to learn how to file a complaint regarding discrimination.

     

    Employees:

    For matters involving Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII, and Florida’s Educational Equity Act, contact Ms. Valerie Wenrich, Chief Human Resources Officer, at (239) 377-0351, or at 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, Florida 34109.

     

    Students:  

    For matters involving (a) Florida’s Education Act and Federal Title VI (race, religion, national origin issues), contact Ms. Rhoderica Washington, Director, Teaching and Learning, at (239) 377-0100, or at 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, Florida 34109; and (b) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact Ms. Jana Csenger, Coordinator of Psychological Services, at (239) 377-0521, or at 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, Florida, 34109.

     

    Title IX:

    For all Title IX related matters, whether involving employees and/or students, contact Ms. Valerie Wenrich, the District’s Title IX Coordinator and Chief Human Resources Officer, at (239) 377-0351, or at 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, Florida 34109.

     

    *For all complaints or concerns relating to the Title IX Coordinator, District Legal Office in care of Marta Massey, Legal Assistant, 239-377-0499