Board reviews policy changes for outside organizations and staff-student communications

Policy staff presented revisions to district rules and policies to implement recent state legislation and federal equal-treatment obligations. With respect to community instructional opportunities, staff explained that Wisconsin Statute 118.065 requires districts to permit certain youth organizations to provide information to students; the district's policy-change proposal replaces a statutory 'require' with a permitting and criteria-based process to ensure equitable treatment and compliance with federal non-discrimination laws.

On communications and technology policy, staff reviewed changes required by Acts 88 and 89, clarifying that staff may not use personal electronic accounts or personal phone numbers for district-related communications with students and that district-approved apps and the district Zoom phone must be used for archivable communications. Policy staff said training will be provided: "We are required by the statute to do training," and administrators and staff will receive modules and communications about the new requirements.

Board members asked about the operational process for organizations requesting access to students and how the district will vet apps for ADA compliance, multilingual support and archiving. Staff said requests should start with the facilities/communications office and that district technology staff will evaluate and approve apps and train athletic and activity staff on compliant tools. The board discussed the balance between ensuring student access to enrichment opportunities and protecting instructional time and equitable access.

No final policy adoptions were recorded at the work session; staff will return with finalized redline language and implementation guidance.