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BISD - Welcoming for ALL

BISD STRONG

The Bainbridge Island School District is committed to welcoming, honoring and valuing all students in our care. We believe in every child and we affirm that every child has the potential and right to lead a meaningful and productive life. We are dedicated to ensuring our students have access to engaging learning opportunities that both support and challenge them.

This page is designed to help students, families and staff stay informed while navigating federal changes that may impact the Bainbridge Island School District.

Title IX Regulations

In September 2024, the BISD School Board adopted revised Policy 3205 and Policy 5011, as required by new 2024 Title IX Regulations. On January 9, 2025, a federal district court judge issued a ruling in Tennessee vs. Cardona, a lawsuit filed against the 2024 Title IX Regulations. The judge's decision ordered a vacatur of the 2024 Title IX Regulations. As a result, the 2024 Title IX Regulations are no longer in effect and all K-12 school districts have been directed to revert to prior policies that align with the 2020 Title IX Regulations.

Bainbridge Island School District is committed to:

  • Implement policy in alignment with 2020 Title IX Regulations (3205)
  • Follow procedure in alignment with 2020 Title IX Regulations (3205P)
  • Continue to abide by Washington State Discrimination Laws: RCW 28A.640 and WAC 392-190
  • Maintain a clear process for handling discrimination complaints
  • Provide equal opportunities in athletics and educational programs
  • Address sexual harassment and discrimination concerns promptly and effectively
  • Conduct regular self-evaluations of district compliance
  • Ensure BISD staff are trained on Title IX compliance & responsibilities
  • Educate BISD students on their rights under Title IX

 

Gender-Inclusive Schools

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

  • Address students by their requested name and pronouns, whether or not they have legally changed their name.
  • Update students’ gender designation so they are accurately reflected in school records.
  • Provide students with access to restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity.

· Ensure students can participate in sports, physical education classes, field trips, and overnight trips consistent with their gender identity.

  • Keep students’ health and education information private and confidential.
  • Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and enforce dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender.
  • Create an inclusive, respectful environment and protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity.

  • Any state can continue to have laws and policies that recognize more than two genders, including transgender and nonbinary individuals, even if a federal executive order defines gender narrowly. Here's why:

    • State Authority: Education is largely governed at the state and local levels. Washington state has the authority to establish its own policies for schools, including those that affirm and support transgender and nonbinary students, as long as these policies do not conflict with federal law.
    • State Nondiscrimination Laws: Washington is one of several states with robust anti-discrimination protections, including for LGBTQ individuals. These laws apply to schools, workplaces, and other areas, and they include protections based on gender identity and expression. The state's legal framework remains valid unless explicitly preempted by federal law, which generally requires Congressional action rather than an executive order.
    • Limits of Executive Orders: An executive order is a directive for federal agencies and does not automatically override state laws. Unless accompanied by new federal legislation or court rulings, states retain significant control over policies related to education and gender recognition.
    • Conflict Resolution: If a federal executive order conflicts with Washington state's laws, disputes may arise, but courts typically resolve these issues. Historically, courts have supported states' rights to go beyond federal minimums in offering protections to marginalized groups.

    ^ Source: Pullman Public Schools https://www.pullmanschools.org/safe_and_welcoming_schools

     

  • Policy 3211 & Procedure 3211P: Gender-Inclusive Schools

    Policy 3210 & Procedure 3210P: Nondiscrimination

    Policy 3207 & Procedure 3207P: Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying of Students

    Policy 3205 & Procedure 3205P: Sexual Discrimination & Sex-Based Harassment of Students Prohibited 

    Policy 5011 & Procedure 5011P: Sexual Discrimination & Sex-Based Harassment of Staff Prohibited (pending administrative & board review)

  • Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent
    206-780-1058
    khaizlip@bisd303.org
    8489 Madison Avenue N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

     

  • OSPI Information for Families: Gender-Inclusive Schools

Immigrant Students’ Rights

The Bainbridge Island School District is committed to maintaining a safe and equitable learning environment for all students. As outlined in BISD Policy 4300:

The Bainbridge Island School District does not grant permission for any person engaging in, or intending to engage in, immigration enforcement, including surveillance, to access the nonpublic areas of school district facilities, property, equipment, databases, or otherwise on school grounds or their immediate vicinity. 

Immigrant Students' Rights to Attend Public Schools

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler vs. Doe (457 U.S. 202 (1982)) that undocumented children and young adults have the same right to attend public primary and secondary schools as do U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Like other children, undocumented students are obliged under state law to attend school until they reach a mandated age.

  • Washington state law, specifically RCW 28A.320.145, requires that public schools: 

    1. Protect student privacy 

    2. Not collect or record information about citizenship/immigration status 

    3. Ensure equal educational access regardless of immigration status 

    • RCW 10.02.045 restricts state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws unless specifically required by federal or state law.
    • RCW 10.93.160 prohibits school resource officers from inquiring about or sharing immigration status for civil enforcement purposes.
    • RCW 28A.320.145 ensures schools protect student privacy, refrain from collecting immigration-related information, and provide equal educational access.

  • The Bainbridge Island School District is dedicated to protecting the privacy and rights of all students. We will continue working within the legal framework to ensure our schools remain safe spaces for every child to learn and thrive. 

    To comply with state laws and safeguard student rights, Bainbridge Island School District will:

    • Protect the privacy and rights of all students.
    • Educate staff with guidance on responding to potential enforcement actions.
    • Establish procedures for potential visits from federal immigration officers.
    • Require immigration enforcement officers present a judicial warrant (signed by a judge), consult with district legal counsel and notify families of their rights.

  • Policy 4300: Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools

    Policy 4310: District Relationships with Law Enforcement and Other Government Agencies

    Policy 4311 & Procedure 4311P: School Visitation

    Policy 3266 & Procedure 3226P: Interviews and Interrogations of Students on School Premises

  • State of Washington Executive Order: Protecting Immigrant Families 

    OPSI: Immigrant Students’ Rights to Attend Public Schools (translated versions available)

    PSESD: Supporting our Immigrant, Refugee, and Undocumented Students & Families

     

Welcoming & Safe Schools

Our District & Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB)

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

What is HIB?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

  • Physically harms another student or damages their property;
  • Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
  • Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?

Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer, Kristen Haizlip, 8489 Madison Avenue NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, khaizlip@bisd303.org, who supports prevention and response to HIB.

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.

Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.

What is the investigation process?

When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:

  • A summary of the results of the investigation
  • A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
  • Any corrective measures or remedies needed
  • Clear information about how you can appeal the decision 

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:

If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.

For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:

A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s HIB webpage or the district’s HIB Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207P.

Our District & Schools Stand Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because of a protected status, including their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, homelessness, religion, creed, disability, neurodivergence, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other behavior that is threatening, harmful, or humiliating. It happens when the behavior is based on a student’s protected status and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when behavior is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210, visit the district website.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature and seriously interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must accept unwelcome sexual behavior or communication to receive something in return, such as a better grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment include:

  • Pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors.
  • Unwelcome sexual touching.
  • Written, graphic, or electronic messages that are sexual in nature.
  • Sharing sexually explicit texts, emails, or pictures.
  • Making sexual jokes, spreading sexual rumors, or making suggestive comments.
  • Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our school does not discriminate based on sex. We prohibit sex discrimination in all education programs, activities, and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited Policy 3205, visit the district’s website.

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school learns about possible discriminatory harassment or sexual harassment, it must investigate and take steps to stop the unwanted behavior. The school must address any effects of the harassment on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and prevent the harassment from happening again.

What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns. If English isn’t your first language, you can request an interpreter or prepare the complaint in your language. If you have a disability and need accommodations to make a complaint, let the school know your disability needs.

Concerns about discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator: Kristen Haizlip, Civil Rights Coordinator, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, khaizlip@bisd303.org and 206-780-1058. 

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator:  Kristen Haizlip, Title IX Coordinator, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, khaizlip@bisd303.org and 206-780-1058.

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator: Maria Kuffel (grades PK-6), Director of Student Services, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, mkuffel@bisd303.org and 206-780-1088 or Darren Spencer (grades 7th-12th and Adult Living Program) 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, dspencer@bisd303.org and 206-780-1069.

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Kristen Haizlip, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, khaizlip@bisd303.org and 206-780-1058.

To submit a written complaint, describe the behavior or incident that you believe may be discriminatory. Send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible so the school district can investigate it promptly. You must submit your complaint within one year of the behavior or incident.

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

 

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator will make sure your complaint is investigated promptly and thoroughly. The investigation will be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If exceptional circumstances require more time, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing and tell you the expected date for the response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. The response will include:

  • A summary of the investigation results.
  • A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws.
  • Any corrective actions or remedies that are needed.
  • Information about how to appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you disagree with the decision about your complaint, you may appeal the decision to Kristen Haizlip or the Board of Directors. You may then file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). For more information about this process, including important deadlines, see the school district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).

 

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harrassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can be discrimination if it is based on a protected status. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully address your concerns.

Our School is Gender-Inclusive

 

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

  • Address students by their requested name and pronouns, whether or not they have legally changed their name.
  • Update students’ gender designation so they accurately reflected in school records.
  • Provide students with access to restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity.
  • Ensure students can participate in sports, physical education classes, field trips, and overnight trips consistent with their gender identity.
  • Keep students’ health and education information private and confidential.
  • Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and enforce dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender.
  • Create an inclusive, respectful environment and protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity.

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy [3211] and Procedure [3211P], visit [BISD Website]. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Kristen Haizlip, Civil Rights Coordinator, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, khaizlip@bisd303.org and 206-780-1058. 

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information on this page.

Our School is Committed to Students and State Law  

Students have the right to learn in schools that follow state law and protect their rights. Willful noncompliance happens when a school district leader or school board member does something—or fails to do something—that they knew, or reasonably should have known, would violate state law. Under ESHB 1296, OSPI is responsible for investigating complaints about willful noncompliance and working to find fair solutions. 

These laws include requirements related to:

·         Civil rights and nondiscrimination (RCWs 28A.640 and 28A.642)

·         Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (RCW 28A.600.477)

·         Curriculum requirements and instructional materials policies (RCWs 28A.150.230, 28A.300.475, 28A.320.170, 28A.320.230, and 28A.320.235)

·         Use of restraint or isolation (RCW 28A.600.485)

·         Student discipline (chapter 28A.600 RCW)

How do I make a complaint about willful noncompliance with state law? 

You must first use available complaint processes to try to resolve your concern. This means the available complaint processes start with your school district, even if the school district superintendent or a school board member is the subject of your complaints. School personnel are not allowed to retaliate for making a formal complaint.

If no available complaint processes are available, you must check OSPI's website for other OSPI complaint procedures at How to File a Complaint, and follow any applicable processes. If none exist, or you have completed all other processes, you must send written notice to the district superintendent at least 30 calendar days before filing a complaint with OSPI.

Complaints to OSPI must be submitted within 30 calendar days after a final decision in the local complaint process, when one applies. The complaint must be in writing and include enough information to describe the concern and the actions or failures to act that may be willful noncompliance. You may send the complaint by mail, email, or hand delivery to OSPI.

When OSPI receives a complaint that meets the requirements for investigation, it will open an investigation. OSPI will send you written notice of the allegations under investigation. After the investigation is complete, OSPI will issue written findings to you and your school. These findings will state whether noncompliance occurred and may require the school to take actions to fix the issue.

Our School is Committed to Safety at School Activities and Events

Washington State wants school activities and events, like athletic competitions, performances, and other extracurricular activities, to be safe for everyone who takes part in them or watches them.

What does state law say? 

Washington State law has long banned intimidation, force, and threats of violence at school events. ESB 5272 (which takes effect in 2026) made those protections stronger. It now also covers officials and volunteers at extracurricular athletic activities, and it has created new consequences for breaking the law. For non-students, if they are convicted of a crime, they may be banned from school activities for up to 18 months, receive a fine, or go to jail for no more than 6 months. For students, other school consequences, including removal from school, may also apply under RCW 28A.600.015.

How is this different from HIB? 

This is different from our school's HIB policy, which deals with conduct between students through a school process. ESB 5272 covers more people and more situations and is enforced through criminal law and school discipline procedures instead of the school's HIB process.

The expectations in this section are broader. They apply to everyone at school activities — students, parents, and community members alike — and they cover behavior toward everyone involved, not just students. This section and the HIB section work together but cover different situations.

What should I do if I experience or witness this conduct?

  • Call 911 if there is an immediate safety concern
  • Report to a coach, event supervisor, school administrator, or other trusted adult as soon as possible. They can connect you with the right support and make sure the right steps are taken

  • If a student was the target of the conduct, you may also be able to file a report under our school’s HIB policy — see the HIB section of this handbook for more information

Who can I contact with questions?

For questions about safety at school events, contact your school principal orKristen Haizlip, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, khaizlip@bisd303.org and 206-780-1058

For questions about whether conduct student-to-student may also be HIB, contact the HIB Compliance Officer: Kristen Haizlip, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, 8489 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, khaizlip@bisd303.org and 206-780-1058