Update (12/10/2025, 10:17 a.m.):

Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) has received a mandatory order from the California Department of Education (CDE) requiring the district’s athletic programs to move from the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) beginning in the 2026/2027 school year.

The order follows a formal complaint filed against the district.

The district shared the full letter with students and families in both English and Spanish, outlining the CDE’s decision and what it means for TTUSD athletics.

Community members and staff are invited to an informational School Board meeting on Wednesday, December 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the TTUSD District Office Board Room, 11603 Donner Pass Road, in Truckee.

Spanish interpretation services will be available, and the meeting will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.

During the meeting, district leadership will provide an overview of the current situation and answer questions from families and community members.

The district emphasized its commitment to keeping students and families informed throughout the transition to CIF athletics.

Streaming Link: Watch Live

Update (6/26/2025, 4:55 p.m.):

At a Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) board meeting last night, on June 25, guidance was provided to the board about moving forward with their membership in the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA).

The board decided on one of the options provided to them, which was to extend the delay of joining the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) indefinitely - which means that for now, the TTUSD will remain in the NIAA.

MAY 14, 2025:

The Tahoe Truckee Unified School District School Board has opted to delay its departure from the NIAA by one year.

The decision was announced at a school board meeting on Wednesday, and the plan is now for the district to depart the NIAA in the 2026/2027 school year.

In making the decision, the board weighed the pros and cons of delaying their move, such as possible legal risks for remaining in the NIAA another year versus allowing more time to address the logistics of the move.

At issue is a policy change within the NIAA regarding student-athlete eligibility based solely on biological sex. These policy changes conflict with California law protecting gender identity.

When the floor was opened to public comment, people took up both sides of the issue.

"I don't believe the NIAA supports all students equally, and I can't support being part of a system that leaves people behind," said one commenter.

"When biological males who may have advantages in speed, strength, or endurance compete in female sports, it can lead to unequal outcomes and discourage participation," said another.

MAY 7, 2025:

The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association released a statement after Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District announced that it would leave NIAA starting next year.

NIAA statement

MAY 2, 2025:

Starting next school year, the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District will be part of the California Interscholastic Federation - away from its current placing in the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association. 

The decision was made earlier this month during a NIAA Rules, Regulations and Policies meeting. 

This letter was sent to students and families: 

Dear TTUSD Students and Families,

I'm writing to share an important update regarding our high school interscholastic athletics program. Effective with the start of the 2025/2026 school year, TTUSD High Schools will transition our interscholastic athletics affiliation from the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

We understand how incredibly important high school sports are to so many of our students, families, and community members. Please know that this decision, while driven by our requirement to comply with California state law, was not taken lightly. Recent NIAA policy changes regarding student-athlete eligibility based solely on biological sex directly conflict with California laws protecting gender identity and expression, including AB 1955, which guarantees students’ rights to privacy and protects them from discrimination. Aligning with CIF ensures our compliance with state law.

Our focus moving forward is to ensure our student-athletes can continue to participate in robust and competitive interscholastic programs within CIF. We understand this transition may raise questions, and our dedicated team of athletic directors, coaches, nurses, and district staff is working diligently to address any potential impacts on schedules, travel, and eligibility.

We are working closely with the NIAA and CIF for a smooth transition and will share updates as details are finalized. An FAQ will be posted on our website soon, and a community update will be provided on May 16th. We are committed to keeping you informed during this process.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work through this change. We are dedicated to continuing to provide a wonderful athletic experience for our students while also complying with state laws and requirements.

Sincerely,

Kerstin Kramer

TTUSD Superintendent Chief Learning Officer