Waukesha School District adopts new social media and technology policies

The Waukesha School District Board of Education made significant strides in policy updates during their recent meeting on March 28, 2025, with a focus on social media use and technology guidelines for staff. The board approved a new social media policy aimed at clarifying the boundaries between personal and district use, ensuring that staff members understand their responsibilities when engaging online.

The newly adopted policy, titled "Use of Social Media," consolidates existing references to social media across various handbooks into a single document. This move is intended to provide clear guidelines for staff, emphasizing respectful and professional conduct while using district-approved platforms. The policy also outlines that employees are prohibited from using personal social media accounts to interact with students for non-instructional purposes, thereby safeguarding the integrity of student-teacher relationships.

Board member Diane Voigt highlighted the importance of the policy, noting that it sets a standard for respectful communication in an era where social media can often be toxic. She emphasized that the policy includes provisions for personal use of social media during breaks, while also warning staff that their online behavior could impact their employment status.

In addition to the social media policy, the board approved revisions to the technology policy, reinforcing security measures and outlining the responsibilities of staff when using district-owned devices. This includes strict prohibitions against accessing harmful content, with users held accountable for any damage caused by malicious software.

The meeting also featured updates on government relations, with Superintendent Dr. Siebert reporting on recent legislative visits aimed at fostering relationships with local representatives. These discussions are crucial for addressing how legislative changes affect the district.

Overall, the board's actions reflect a commitment to creating a safe and professional environment for both staff and students as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The next committee meeting is scheduled for September 9, where further discussions on policy and governance will continue.