News Summary
The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education will review proposed changes to its Gender Equity in Sports policy. These changes aim to align with the Georgia Equity in Sports Act, which limits transgender girls’ participation in girls’ sports teams. The updates include replacing ‘gender’ with ‘sex’ for team designations and ensuring equitable distribution of resources in athletics. Community feedback is encouraged as this policy undergoes revisions amid ongoing discussions about inclusion and fairness in sports.
Savannah, GA – Gender Equity in Sports Policy Under Review by School Board
The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education is set to review significant changes to its Gender Equity in Sports policy during a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The proposed revisions are intended to align the district’s policy with the newly amended Georgia Equity in Sports Act, also referred to as the Riley Gaines Act, which prohibits transgender girls from participating on girls’ sports teams in both school and college settings.
The updates suggest replacing all mentions of the term “gender” with “sex,” a move expected to provide clarity concerning team designations for interscholastic competitions, which will now be limited to male, female, or coed. Furthermore, the new language proposed will stipulate that donations to school athletic programs be evaluated to ensure that benefits are distributed equitably between male and female athletes.
Meeting Details
The board meeting will commence at 6 p.m. at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex, located at 2 Laura Ave., Savannah. This is one of two scheduled evening meetings designed to better accommodate the availability of parents and families wishing to participate in school board discussions.
Additional Agenda Items
In addition to the policy review, the agenda includes a quarterly Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) report. This report will offer insights into revenue generated and projects currently in progress related to ESPLOST. Superintendent Denise Watts will also present a comprehensive review of the district’s performance based on the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS).
The GMAS performance review is expected to highlight specific data points critical for assessing the academic progress of students within the district. The board will also discuss a Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Outlay Project Application, which seeks state funding for significant capital projects at four schools, including the Charles Ellis Montessori Academy. This application specifically calls for renovations and the replacement of the facility’s HVAC system, which encountered operational issues during the initial week of the school year.
Additional Meetings and Accessibility
An Informal Meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. on the same day, allowing board members to discuss various topics with stakeholders in a more relaxed setting before the formal session. For those unable to attend in person, the school district provides a live stream of board meetings on youtube.com/sccpsscommunications, allowing community members to stay informed from the comfort of their homes.
Moreover, a complete list of future board meetings can be accessed at sccpss.com/board/calendar, providing parents and community members with opportunities to engage with the school board throughout the year.
Context of the Policy Updates
The changes to the Gender Equity in Sports policy stem from the enactment of the Riley Gaines Act by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in April 2025. This legislation has aimed at redefining participation standards in sports for female athletes amid ongoing discussions about inclusion and fairness. As schools implement the revised guidelines, community feedback will likely play a significant role in shaping the final version of the district’s policy.
As the board prepares for its meeting, stakeholders are encouraged to participate and provide input on these changes that may have lasting impacts on the district’s approach to sports and equity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Gender Equity in Sports Policy Under Review
- Savannah Tribune: Leadership Appointments at Savannah State University
- Savannah Now: LGBTQ State Safety Report Card
- NBC News: Kamala Harris Discusses Gender in Elections
- Macon: Local Restaurant Highlights
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
