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Board adopts Neola policy package; removes essential‑oil ban and narrows class‑size guidance
Summary
The board adopted a package of updated Neola policies effective July 1, 2025, and amended policy language to remove a blanket prohibition on essential oils and to change the suggested class‑size range for grades 4–12 from 24–32 to 24–30.
The Wisconsin Rapids School District board voted June 9 to adopt a set of Neola‑supplied board policies effective July 1, 2025, and made two notable adjustments during debate: removal of a line that would have read as a broad restriction on the use of essential oils in schools, and an amendment narrowing the suggested class‑size range for grades 4–12 to 24–30.
The board held an extended discussion about policy 05/1930 (administration of medication and emergency care). Administration had proposed language that said essential oils “may be prohibited;” several board members and district staff, including school nurses and building administrators, argued the line was either redundant with existing health‑plan procedures or could be handled administratively on a case‑by‑case basis (for example, when a student has a documented allergy). Following debate, a motion to strike the line referencing essential oils passed; the board retained language that non‑FDA products and natural supplements require written practitioner instruction and parental consent if staff are to administer them.
Separately, trustees debated policy 23/312 (class size guidance). The draft Neola language provided suggested ranges; after discussion a board member moved and the board approved amending the suggested range for grades 4–12 to 24–30 (previous district policy had a 1–30 guideline from 2015). The board clarified that the policy sets suggested goals and that building‑level decisions, special circumstances and additional support assignments (for example, classroom aides) can address higher enrollments when necessary.
Board members said they would continue to monitor class sizes and requested additional information from administration on classroom averages by building and grade as part of fall planning. Administration will also finalize administrative guidelines that describe how the board’s policy is applied at the building level.
The board adopted the Neola policy package in draft form for simultaneous activation on July 1, 2025 with the modifications described.
