Board accepts OE-12 compliance report; district highlights declines in behavior incidents and flags attendance challenges

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District board accepted the OE-12 monitoring report on the learning environment and transportation, finding the district in compliance. Director of Student Services Miss Christine McMasters presented the report, citing a multi-level system of supports, use of T-charts for behavior monitoring, an ES3 grant to support classroom coaching for students with IEPs, an online bullying/harassment reporting tool (SUSO), and continued professional development toward restorative practices.

Separately, administration presented a secondary-school behavior report showing a 28% decrease in total behavioral incidents at the middle school year‑over‑year and a 67% reduction in major behaviors over five years. Positive referrals increased substantially. However, high‑school attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels and the senior class dropped below 90% attendance — a point of concern for the administration and board.

The board also examined demographic patterns in disciplinary referrals: students receiving free or reduced-price lunch comprise roughly 41% of enrollment but accounted for approximately 71% of office discipline referrals in the dataset presented, prompting trustees to request additional demographic breakdowns for the high school.

Outcome: The monitoring report was accepted by motion and the board found the district in compliance with OE-12. Administration said it will continue to refine supports and bring targeted strategies to address attendance and equity-related disparities.