Random Lake board advances Act 89‑related policy updates, votes to strike 'anonymous' from reporting language pending legal check

At the June 22 meeting, the board discussed updates to district policy that the administration had packaged with recent Neola changes, including language tied to Act 89 addressing grooming of students. Committee members raised concerns about the definition of grooming, whether it overlaps with sexual‑harassment policy, and how gender‑related conduct is described.

Board discussion focused on two points: the scope of the grooming definition and the mechanism for reporting suspected improper staff‑student relationships. One board member described the law and the packet as politically charged and suggested some grooming language belongs under sexual‑harassment rules rather than in Act 89 implementation language. Administration said the law requires certain policy language and training to be in place by September 1.

A motion was made to approve the Neola updates (including Act 89 language) with an amendment to strike the word “anonymous” from the reporting provisions "as legally appropriate." The amendment passed by voice vote. Board members said they will check with legal counsel about whether anonymous reporting is required by statute or legal interpretation; if it is required, the district will accept the legal guidance and restore language as necessary.

The packet was otherwise held for committee review where board members requested additional clarifications (for example, where certain disciplinary consequences appeared to reference staff rather than students). The board indicated flexibility to convert the approval back to a first reading if legal review or committee feedback requires changes before a final vote.

Next steps: administration will consult legal counsel about anonymous reporting and bring any required changes to the board at a subsequent meeting.