Policy committee previews new rule on staff–student electronic connections

The Waunakee Community School District Policy Committee discussed a proposed addition to the district’s acceptable use policy on March 31 intended to govern electronic connections between staff and students.

The administration presented the draft as an addition to the acceptable use policy to address staff–student contacts on social media and other electronic platforms. The presenter said the district plans to seek feedback from staff and from the Waunakee Teachers Association before bringing a final proposal to the board.

The draft would allow staff to maintain electronic contacts with students only in limited circumstances, with the presentation identifying two primary exceptions: emergency communications and situations in which a particular electronic channel is the only effective means of contact. The presenter said the district intends to require staff to notify supervisors when such ongoing connections exist “to keep it in the light of day.”

The draft also clarifies that student employees may maintain personal relationships with peers unless they are in a supervisory role over those students (for example, in some summer-school or classroom aide situations). The presenter said that clarification was added after the administrative team noted the district employs students in several roles.

The committee discussed timing and next steps. The administration said it expects to present the policy to the full board before the end of the school year and to notify staff so they have an opportunity over the summer to separate professional and personal accounts where the policy will require it.

No formal motion or vote was taken on the proposed rule during the meeting.