Board adopts school-activities policy after debate over 'underserved' language

The Winona Area Public Schools Board voted to approve revised Policy 5.10 (School Activities) after trustees debated language that asks staff to seek out students from “underserved and underrepresented” groups.

The policy was presented for first reading earlier and returned for action at this meeting. A motion to approve passed on a voice vote after a period of public discussion among trustees. Director Martin Stickney said he had concerns and indicated he would “probably won't vote to approve this” if the language remained unchanged, calling parts of the wording “vague” and worrying the language could be interpreted as creating de facto quotas. Board operations and staff described the additions as recommendations from the board-operations committee intended to improve participation and remove barriers.

Why it matters: the policy guides how schools advertise and operate extracurricular activities and what responsibilities staff have in outreach and inclusion. Board members asked for clarity about what the district would consider “barriers” and whether the policy obligations were practical for building-level staff.

Final action: after discussion the board approved Policy 5.10 by voice vote. Trustees were reminded they had additional time before the next board meeting to raise technical edits through board operations and with the superintendent.

Ending: Board members encouraged colleagues to send detailed questions to staff before the next review, and staff said the policy will come back if board operations or the superintendent propose more precise language.