Committee approves staff-student communication rule requiring district channels, staff to be notified before fall

The Waunakee Community School District Policy Committee voted to forward an addition to the district’s staff acceptable-use/relationship policy to require that staff communicate with students on district-approved channels so records are maintained and transparency preserved.

Brian (staff member) presented the proposed addition and said the change grew from building-level conversations about blurred personal and professional communications with students. He said the goal is to ensure communication occurs on official channels because “we can maintain those records” and “the transparency that it affords all involved is a great protection.”

Brian said the district offered the draft to the Waunakee Teachers Association for comment; he said the association had multiple opportunities to respond and “they chose to respond with silence.” Committee members asked whether the policy covers coaches and extracurricular staff; presenters said the policy would apply to coaches and that administrative guidance would specify approved platforms and operational details.

Implementation: staff said Annie (communications director) and Brian will notify staff before summer and provide a timeline so communications are “untangled by the time we’re returning the students in the fall.” The committee approved the addition and forwarded it to the full board.

Next steps: district administration will finalize administrative guidance (channels and housekeeping expectations), notify staff in advance of the school year, and publish operational rules so building leaders and coaches know approved platforms.