Board approves Lakeland School communication policies tied to Wisconsin Act 89

The Walworth County Children with Disabilities Education Board voted to approve a set of Lakeland School policies at its July 22 meeting intended to comply with Wisconsin’s Act 89. Matt, a Lakeland School staff member, told the board the policies define acceptable content and modes of staff and volunteer communication and spell out consequences for violations.

"These are formal policies governing employee and volunteer communication," Matt said, describing the policies as required by legislation signed into law in March and noting schools must adopt them by 09/01/2026. He said the district will provide annual trainings beginning in the 2026–27 school year to implement the changes.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the policy language and implementation timeline; one member thanked staff for producing a concise 'cheat sheet' summarizing changes. The board approved the policies on a voice vote following a motion and second.

The policies cover interactions both during and outside school hours, and include guidance on content, acceptable modes of communication, and a range of disciplinary consequences; the approved materials in the packet were described as a second reading in the board’s process. The board did not alter the adoption deadline required by state law.

Next steps include finalizing training plans and distributing the adopted policies to staff and volunteers before the start of the school year.