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Waukesha board amends and adopts revised member conduct policy after debate over partisan language
Summary
After a lengthy debate, the Waukesha School District Board amended and adopted revisions to policy 144.5 (board member behavior, communications and code of conduct), striking language about refraining from using board positions for "personal partisan gain." The amendment passed unanimously; the revised policy passed 8–1.
The Waukesha School District Board of Education on Oct. 9 debated and adopted revisions to policy 144.5, renaming it to include communications and making several clarifying changes recommended in the NEOLA update.
Board member David Wadd introduced the revisions, which remove named professional organizations and replace them with the phrase "professional development organizations," add public-records references and clarify the president's role for contacting legal counsel. Superintendent Dr. Seibert summarized the changes and linked one contested provision to existing state law, citing Wis. Stat. § 19.59 on use of office.
The meeting focused on a single disputed item, labeled "P," which read that members should "refrain from using your board positions for personal partisan gain." Several board members said the phrase was vague and difficult to interpret; others argued the language duplicated conflict-of-interest statute-based protections. Mr. White moved to amend the draft by striking item P; the motion was seconded and passed 9–0 by roll call.
With P removed, the board then voted on the broader set of revisions. The final roll call recorded eight votes in favor and one against, adopting the amended policy.
Dr. Seibert said the provision in question aligns with statutory conflict-of-interest language that bars using a position to "influence or gain unlawful benefits, advantages, or privileges personally or for others." Board members discussed whether the policy should mirror statutory phrasing or remain broader as guidance for conduct and communications.
The policy committee will continue distributing Neola update materials and three technical-correction policy items will be discussed at the November committee meeting. Senator Julian Bradley is scheduled to attend the Nov. 11 Policy and Government Relations Committee meeting to discuss artificial intelligence and potential budget matters.
The board's action updates the district's conduct guidance and clarifies several cross-references to other board policies; technical corrections to policy titles and references were noted as administrative follow-ups.
