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Board gives first reading to Neola policy updates implementing Wisconsin Act 57 (grooming/mandatory‑reporting changes)
Summary
Administrators presented Neola handbook policy changes tied to Wisconsin Act 57 (and impending Act 88) clarifying mandatory‑reporting definitions for abuse and grooming and outlining training requirements for staff beginning in August; the board approved the first reading and will return for a second reading.
The Prescott School District board received a first reading of Neola policy updates meant to align handbook language with Wisconsin Act 57 and forthcoming Act 88, clarifying mandatory‑reporting responsibilities and boundaries for staff‑to‑student interactions.
An administrator told trustees the changes "revolve around the mandatory reporting of student, any type of abuse or grooming or any type of crime on a student" and that the district has long met mandatory‑reporting duties but that the new law tightens definitions and adds implementation guidance. The policies are divided into versions for support staff, certified staff, district administration and child‑abuse/neglect reporting.
Administrators emphasized that the policies include reasonable exceptions for small‑community situations — for instance, family friends driving a child home in an emergency — and said DPI‑required staff training on the new language will begin in August. The administrator noted the policy wording clarifies appropriate conversations, communications, and restrictions on one‑on‑one private interactions (no inviting students to private homes or rides in personal vehicles except in emergency or pre‑approved family‑friend contexts).
A trustee asked for minor language fixes (duplicate list items and clarifications about hugging and comforting younger children) and for the administration to correct those items before the second reading. The board approved the first reading and set the item for a second reading at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
No formal disciplinary protocols were changed at the first reading; the update is to align the handbook language with state statutes and to ensure staff training and reporting processes are in place before the new definitions take effect.
