District forwards new third- and fourth-grade promotion/retention policy required by Act 20

The Waunakee Community School District Policy Committee voted to forward a new third- and fourth-grade promotion and retention policy that the district must adopt by July 1 to meet state requirements; implementation is scheduled by Sept. 1, 2027.

Amy (staff member) told the committee the policy is required to be on the books by July 1 and that the district selected a mid-level PRG (Policy Reference Group) sample as the best fit. She said the draft includes five “good cause” exceptions from Act 20 and that she adapted sample language so the district’s assessment timeline aligns with current practice by moving an assessment point to January.

Committee members asked about supports for students who could be retained. Amy outlined the multiple-tiered system of supports in place: classroom differentiation, math and reading interventionists, and an intervention/enrichment block. She said regular assessment and monitoring are already part of district practice and that the district will have more information when forward results are released.

The draft names the district administrator and a director (Val Madrige referenced) as final decision-makers on reconsideration requests. Committee members noted the policy must be on the books by July 1 even though it need not be implemented for the upcoming fall; Amy said the district can revisit and adjust the policy next year after results and initial experience are reviewed.

The committee voted to move the policy to the full board for approval and encouraged other board members to review meeting materials and the recording soon because of the time-sensitive July 1 deadline.