School Board approves new student-staff relationship and graduation policies

The Waunakee Community School District Board of Education made significant strides in policy reform during their June 9, 2025, meeting, focusing on enhancing student support and graduation requirements.

The board unanimously approved a new staff-student relationship policy, which had been under review throughout the school year. This policy aims to clarify expectations and foster a positive educational environment. Board members expressed confidence in the collaborative process that involved feedback from various stakeholders, including the Waunakee Teachers Association.

In another key decision, the board introduced a new policy regarding grade promotion, mandated by the recent reading legislation act. This policy, which must be in place by July 1, 2025, will not be implemented until September 1, 2027. Board members acknowledged the importance of analyzing data over the next year to assess its impact on student outcomes.

Additionally, the board discussed revisions to graduation requirements, specifically the attendance policy that previously restricted students from participating in graduation ceremonies based on attendance records. The board proposed removing this attendance requirement, emphasizing the importance of allowing students who meet all other graduation criteria to celebrate their achievements with their families.

These policy changes reflect the board's commitment to adapting educational practices to better serve students and their families, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed and participate fully in their educational milestones.