Waukesha School Board approves revised staff dress-code policies after amendment

The Waukesha School District Board of Education approved revised professional and support staff dress-and-appearance policies on Jan. 15, 2025, after an amendment that limited the edits to removing two instances of the word “COVID” and a minor numbering correction.

Board members discussed the policies during the Human Resources and Compensation portion of the meeting. Board member David Wadd moved to approve the policies as presented; the board later adopted an amendment that struck only the instances of the word “COVID” and corrected an item label from “A1” to “1.” The amended motion passed 8–1; Diane Voigt cast the sole no vote.

Why it matters: dress-and-appearance rules govern expectations for district staff and touch on free-speech concerns when the policies try to define what is “disruptive” or “controversial.” Some board members and the public asked for additional review to ensure the policies do not inadvertently limit symbolic or political expression by employees.

Board debate and amendment: During discussion, Mr. Wadd said he intended to move approval of the two policies as presented. Mr. Webb, a board member, supported the amendment and said, “cloth masks have been deemed not just to be effective but actually a health risk,” explaining his vote to narrow the change. Several members referenced prior legal review; board counsel had previously reviewed the policies and the administration reported those reviews to the committee.

Outcome and next steps: The policies (listed as professional staff dress and appearance and support staff dress and appearance in board materials) were adopted as amended. The district will implement the revised language as approved by the board.

Ending: The vote closed a multi-step review that had been considered by the HR committee and legal counsel; the district’s HR office will communicate updates and implementation guidance to building administrators and staff.