Policy committee moves to update staff–student communications and reporting rules after state law changes

Germantown’s policy committee on June 2 reviewed and refined proposed policy language that implements recent changes in Wisconsin law governing staff‑student communications, social media use, and mandated reporting of sexual misconduct.

Committee members said Acts 57 and 89 require concrete operational rules as well as updated policy language. The draft package includes: rules for appropriate contact and content in staff–student digital interactions; provisions that require district‑approved communication platforms (examples in draft language include TeamSnap or Sportngroup‑style apps for extracurriculars); updated acceptable‑use language for student devices; an explicit requirement that district‑related social‑media accounts be approved and archived as public records; and tightened child‑abuse/sexual‑misconduct reporting timelines with mandatory staff training.

Committee members underscored the practical challenge: the district and its extracurricular teams currently use many different apps and vendors year‑round. One committee member asked administration to compile an inventory of all team, club and coach communication platforms being used so the district can determine which platforms (if any) to approve, and how to support coaches, staff and volunteers during a transition. The committee discussed a rapid timetable for administrative work so guidance is in place before the fall season, and agreed to prioritize a July/August operational plan for compliance, training and vendor choices.

Policy staff noted that the state law sets minimum requirements but the district can keep tighter internal deadlines and training schedules. Administration will prepare a recommended list of approved apps and a phased compliance plan for the full board to consider.

What’s next: administration will inventory current platforms, propose a short list of approved communication tools and an implementation timeline, deliver mandatory training information required by statute, and return to the policy committee and full board with final policy language and operational guidance.