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Saint Croix Falls board approves staff‑student communications, camera policy and use of independent hearing officers
Summary
The Saint Croix Falls School District board approved multiple curriculum-and-policy items including a staff‑student communications policy, a security‑camera monitoring rule and a resolution authorizing independent hearing officers for expulsions; votes were unanimous and procedural, the administration said.
The Saint Croix Falls School District board approved several curriculum and policy items in a single session, including a new staff‑student communications policy, an updated security‑camera and electronic monitoring policy, and a resolution allowing the district to use independent hearing officers in student expulsion cases.
Superintendent Brent McCurdy described the expulsion resolution as an annual authorization the district has used before: "As a common school district, if we're opting to utilize an independent hearing officer for expulsion cases, the board has to authorize that ability," he said, noting the district has previously engaged outside hearing officers for unique cases.
The board moved through the items after a committee review. Chair called the motions and recognized makers and seconders; individual votes were heard aloud and recorded as approving each item. For example, a motion to approve policy 5.28.1 (staff communications with students) was made by Jesse and seconded by Matt; the Chair called for voice votes and recorded unanimous approval. The board similarly approved policy 7.31.3 (use of security cameras and electronic monitoring) and the expulsion‑hearing‑officer resolution without recorded opposition.
On related operational items, the administration said staff and student handbooks will include a hotlink to the newly approved communications policy to ensure handbook language and board policy align with state law and WASB guidance. The superintendent also reminded the board that where state statute is clear — for example, weapon incidents that trigger mandatory expulsion consequences — local policy must follow statutory requirements.
The meeting proceeded with routine procedural items and the board moved the consent agenda by voice vote earlier in the session.
Next steps: administration will incorporate the policy references into handbook materials and the district will publish the updated policies and handbook links after administrative follow‑up.
