Dear TTUSD Students and Families,

We are writing to share a critical update about our athletics programs.

Last spring, we faced a difficult situation regarding the conflict between the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) student athlete eligibility policy (based on biological sex) and California state law (which protects student rights regarding gender identity).

After robust community conversations, the TTUSD Board of Trustees met on June 25, 2025, and directed the district to delay any immediate plans to switch to CIF, keeping our athletic programs in the NIAA, due to significant logistical challenges.

Last week, TTUSD received a mandatory order from the California Department of Education (CDE) ordering our athletic programs to move to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) beginning in the 2026/2027 school year due to a formal complaint filed against TTUSD.

At this time, our primary goal must be to ensure that our students continue to have athletic opportunities; we know athletics are a profoundly important part of their education, social network, and personal growth.

This mandated move is a result of a formal complaint that was filed with the CDE against TTUSD. The complaint and subsequent investigation found that by remaining in NIAA, TTUSD is violating California Educational Code Section 221.5(f), which provides, in part, the right for students to participate in sex-segregated school programs consistent with their gender identity.

CDE Order: After reviewing the complaint, the CDE issued two "corrective action orders" that mandate our move to the CIF for the 2026/2027 school year.
Legal Efforts Denied: Echoing our community's concerns from spring discussions and the impact these orders will have on our community and students, we appealed the order and requested an extension of the timeline. The CDE denied both requests and maintained its orders.
No Local Control: The decision is no longer within the TTUSD’s local control. We are legally required to follow this CDE order.

Legal and Financial Risk: If we do not comply, TTUSD will be violating state law, which could result in severe financial penalties and legal action against the District.

Upon receiving the state’s directive, we began initial conversations with CIF Sac-Joaquin Section leadership. It’s clear from these discussions that implementing the state’s directive will present significant challenges.

At this time, we are exploring what a move to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section would look like and whether competing in CIF beginning in the 2026/2027 school year is possible. NIAA is aware of our situation and is committed to working with us as we develop a more definitive timeline for the 2026/2027 school year, and beyond.

We recognize this shift creates local challenges, including travel safety concerns, logistical issues for season-changing sports (such as soccer and tennis moving to winter), and the loss of 40-year traditions.

TTUSD is fully committed to working with our community and continuing to advocate for our students throughout this process - keeping our students' interests at the forefront. Please know we are working closely with NIAA and CIF to make this transition as smooth as possible, keeping in mind any impacts it may have on our athletic programs.

Superintendent Kramer will provide an informational overview of the current situation at the upcoming Board Meeting, the details of which are provided below:

Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: TTUSD District Office Board Room, 11603 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
Public Comment & Interpretation: There will be an opportunity for public comment, and Spanish interpretation services will be available at the District Office.
Streaming Link: https://youtube.com/live/CbxP2Ek8Ino?feature=share

Once we learn more about what is possible from the CIF, we will form a Community Athletic Committee (CAC) made up of students, parents, coaches, staff, and community members. This committee will address the previously identified logistical and community concerns with the goal of working through this change together.

We understand there is a lot of uncertainty right now, and we are committed to keeping you informed as new information continues to come to light.