Manitowoc School Board adopts packet of updated policies including library surveillance and device rules

The Manitowoc School District board voted to adopt a packet of nine revised policies presented for the October updates, including technical edits to handbook language and clarified rules on library surveillance and wearable devices.

The changes, described by a board member as “just changing the language in the handbook just that little bit to be more inclusive,” were bundled as a single motion and approved by voice vote. The packet covered multiple policy areas, including board member conduct, leaves of absence, library media center procedures, termination/resignation language for support staff, student supervision, and limits on the use of cameras and other recording devices.

Board Member 2, speaking in favor of the edits, framed the package as largely technical and inclusive language changes. Board Member 5 said the revisions align district policy with current law and praised staff work: “I can’t say enough the work that Ruby did to get us in a place where we are today.”

Discussion included a focused exchange about library records and surveillance. A board member noted that the policy permits disclosure of surveillance records to law enforcement when the criminal conduct is alleged to have occurred at the school library and that the policy text limits disclosure to surveillance records “pertinent to the alleged criminal conduct.” Several speakers clarified that the policy’s scope is the library and surveillance footage, not general circulation records, and that disclosure would be in the context of an investigation.

Members also debated a provision on board member conduct that would bar actions that “compromise the reputation or legal positions of the district.” One participant called the reputation language “pretty subjective,” while another said recent staff departures tied to board comments supported the inclusion. The board discussed how the new language mirrors previously adopted policy language on the district administrator’s capacity.

Other items in the packet addressed staffing expectations for library media programs, noting the district employs certified library media professionals who collaborate across buildings even when every building does not have a dedicated certified librarian. The packet also includes updated language on support-staff termination/resignation procedures and clarifies responsibilities and accountability for staff who volunteer for additional duties.

A motion to adopt the recommended policies 1 through 9 was made and seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote. No roll-call vote or individual vote tallies were recorded in the provided transcript.

The board indicated the revised language will be updated in internal staff portals and incorporated into the handbook materials distributed to staff.