As part of our mission to focus on learning for every student every day, it is our responsibility to continually develop an organizational culture that is respectful and inclusive of all students and staff.

A portion of the update provided at the August 10, 2020, Board Meeting includes:

On May 19, 2020, the U.S. Secretary of Education amended the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual orientation, including peer-to-peer sexual harassment and sexual violence. The new regulations took effect on August 14, 2020. The district updated policies to reflect changes in the new regulations. The district identified specific roles and individuals within the investigatory process, increased training for investigatory staff and required the district to post certain information prominently on this website.

The following roles are assigned:

Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator*

Mr. Brian Glickman, Director of Human Resources
bglickman@pinerichland.org
(724) 625-7773, ext. 6201
702 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044

Initial Complaint Form »

Investigators and Decision Makers*

Dr. Michael Pasquinelli, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education & Curriculum
mpasquinelli@pinerichland.org

Dr. Kristen Justus, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education & Curriculum
kjustus@pinerichland.org

*When the school or district learns that someone is alleged to be the victim of sexual harassment, the interim Title IX coordinator will immediately contact Mr. Donald Palmer, Solicitor, Goehring, Rutter & Boehm, to ensure regulatory and procedural compliance. Based on the building level associated with the allegation, the roles of investigator and decision-maker will be assigned. By regulation, these are separate roles. For example, Dr. Justus may be assigned as an investigator for elementary-level complaints. Dr. Pasquinelli would serve as the decision maker.

PRSD updated policies to reflect the new regulations and the updated investigatory procedures. Initial training and regulatory information have been posted on the website and were provided via the Office for Civil Rights webinars on New Title IX Protections (May 8, 2020, and July 7, 2020). As training materials become available, the district will post to the PRSD website when complete.

Title IX requirements must be followed, and a school must respond appropriately when a school has actual notice of sexual harassment that occurs in a school’s program or activity. Students and parents should immediately report allegations of sexual harassment or harassment to the Title IX coordinator.  

1. 1. Any instance of “Quid Pro Quo” harassment by a school employee (i.e., unwelcome sexual harassment associated with some form of aid or benefit)
   2. Any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that a reasonable person would find to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school’s educational program or activity
   3. Any instance of “Sexual assault,” “dating violence,” “domestic violence,” or “stalking” as those terms are defined under other Federal laws called the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act

The annual Employee Code of Ethics and Podcast Acknowledgement form must be signed and submitted by all employees. The annual Student Code of Conduct sign-off form is now managed through Sapphire.

As part of the U.S. Department of Education Title IX Final Rule, school districts are required to provide training to staff. That initial training is aligned to the board policies listed on this site and includes the revised definitions of sexual harassment. We will also provide information to students to increase awareness and confidence in the reporting process. Training and professional development in these areas will be provided at different points throughout the year.

Title IX Regulations Addressing Sexual Harassment 

Title IX Overview Training for School Administrators (Goehring, Rutter & Boehm Law)
Training Presentation Document

McGrath Response System (Title IX)
Intake & Investigation Course