Board adopts virtual-program handbook and revised attendance policy; board approves para job description

The River Falls School District board approved three personnel- and policy-related items during its meeting.

First, the board adopted a revised virtual programming student handbook. Alan moved adoption based on requested edits that added language clarifying payment responsibility for incomplete or failed online classes, provisions for internet assistance where needed, and a clearer distinction between in-person days and electronic-device days. Monica seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.

Second, the personnel committee reported staffing is strong for the coming year and the board approved an updated general-education paraprofessional job description to align format and language with district job descriptions.

Third, the board completed a second reading of revised school board policy 4-3-1 on student attendance. Trustees discussed how excused or exempt absences interact with athletics eligibility (for example, whether a dental appointment documented by a note could still allow participation in an athletic event), the consistency of attendance-office processes for collecting doctor/dentist notes at sign-in/sign-out, and parents’ need for clearer communication. Speaker 5 read aloud the policy paragraph assigning primary responsibility for regular student attendance to parents or guardians while noting school officials have a legal duty to enforce attendance. After clarifying questions and discussion, trustees approved the policy on second reading by voice vote.

Board members said they will work to improve communication to families about required documentation and how athletics eligibility is determined for short excused absences.