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Board adopts policy changes to comply with Wisconsin Act 89; limits on certain apps clarified
Summary
The board approved policy updates required by Wisconsin Act 89, including staff training and new restrictions on direct staff-to-student messaging using external apps; staff clarified that district-authorized Google tools should be used for official staff-student communications.
The board approved a package of policy changes recommended to ensure compliance with Wisconsin Act 89, which the administration said requires school districts to adopt policies governing employee-student communications and to provide annual training on professional boundaries before Sept. 1, 2026.
On specifics, district staff explained that some third-party apps have narrow roles: “The life 3 60 app is how you can track students,” a staff member said, describing its use for chaperones on EF trips, while Hudl may be used to provide performance feedback but should not be used for direct staff-to-student one-on-one messages. The staff member stressed that district Google tools (Google Spaces, Google Chat, Google Classroom, Google Email) are the authorized channels for routine staff-student communications because records are accessible for public-record requests.
The board moved through second readings and approvals of related policies — including policy 12.13 (student supervision and welfare) and companion items — and accepted motions to adopt the recommended changes. Board members said the updates aim to balance legal compliance, student safety and practical communication needs.
Next steps: the administration will ensure staff training occurs before the statutory deadline and will publish guidance listing authorized tools and permitted uses.
