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December 2020 | Volume 74 Number 15

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS, INC. John H. Ashley Executive Editor Sheri Krause Editor Director of Communications

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n WASB OFFICERS n NORTHLAND ELECTRICAL SERVICES DONATED ALTERNATIVE SEATING TO THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL DISTRICT John H. Ashley Executive Director Bill Yingst, Sr. Business Honor Roll 2020 We Are Listening! Durand-Arkansaw, Region 4 4 School districts and businesses 16 Lynn Armitage President partner up to lend support and RERIC partners with Sue Todey create opportunities for students. rural Wisconsin. Sevastopol, Region 3 1st Vice President Barbara Herzog The Voice of Students Your Superintendent Oshkosh, Region 7 8 Sharon Belton, Ph.D. 20 Matchmaker 2nd Vice President Returning to school in How WASB Superintendent Brett Hyde a COVID-19 environment. Search Services helps boards Muskego-Norway, Region 11 find the right fit. Immediate Past President Exit Interviews Done Right n WASB BOARD OF DIRECTORS n 12 School Perceptions survey helps Linda Flottum Mike Humke districts reveal why employees Turtle Lake, Region 1 Dodgeville, Region 9 are leaving, and how best to retain them in the future. Capt. Terry McCloskey, Bill Wipperfurth USN Retired Lodi, Region 10 Three Lakes, Region 2 Tom Weber Jim Bouché Sun Prairie, Region 12 DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS Wausau, Region 5 Rosanne Hahn Mary Jo Rozmenoski Burlington, Region 13 Black River Falls, Region 6 Tony Baez 2 News Briefs Andrew Maertz Milwaukee, Region 14 Reedsville, Region 8 Cherie Rhodes 3 Viewpoint — Using Evaluations to Build Strong Relationships Slinger, Region 15 24 Association News — Upcoming Workshops, WASB Member

Wisconsin School News (USPS 688-560) Level 5 Recognition, WASB Organizational Services Changes, is published 10 issues per year by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Inc., WASB Annual Board Development Tool 122 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703. Contents © 2020 Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Inc. Subscriptions are available to nonmembers 26 Centennial Anniversary — Highlights From the New Millennium for $85 per year. Periodicals postage is paid at Madison, Wis., and other additional entry offices. The views expressed in Wisconsin School News are 28 Capitol Watch — 2020 Election Analysis those of the authors and do not necessarily represent WASB policies or positions. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 30 Legal Comment — Legal Implications of Employee Handbooks Wisconsin School News, 122 W. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703. NEWS BRIEFS

Neenah High School REPORT: Black Students Miss 5 Times Recognized for More Class Time Due to Suspensions Inclusive Athletics lack students nationwide lost days per 100 students. eenah High School has been nearly five times as many days Minnesota’s gap was just over named a Special Olympics Unified to suspension as white students half of Wisconsin’s. The report Champion School on the 2020 in 2015-16, according to an includes some good news for Wis- N B October 2020 report from the UCLA consin. The state’s Black suspension ESPN Honor Roll, one of 36 schools across the nation (and the only one in Civil Rights Project. rates dropped by 27% from 2011-12 Wisconsin) to be given the honor. Wisconsin had the sixth-highest to 2015-16. The program’s three main compo- gap in days of instruction lost between The report, which is available nents, according to a press release, Black and white students in middle online, suggests educators pursue are inclusive youth leadership, whole- and high school. The state’s Black “nonpunitive strategies — alternatives school engagement and inclusive students lost 134 days of instruction that teach responsibility, enhance social sports among students with and per 100 students, compared to 10 days and emotional learning, and help without disabilities. for white students, for a gap of 124 students improve their conduct.” N One highlight of its athletic program is an annual unified basket- STAT OF THE MONTH ball game between faculty and Neenah High School’s Special Olym- pics team. The high school is one of only a handful in Wisconsin with a Special Olympics program. The district’s efforts start early, 124 including a youth athletes’ program where children with and without Number of lost days of instruction that Wisconsin middle and disabilities participate together. N high school Black students lost due to suspensions in excess of what white students lost in 2015-16. Source: UCLA Civil Rights Project Hackers Increasingly Targeting School Districts riminal groups are ramping up McFarland District Receives attacks on local school districts, C according to cybersecurity Million-Dollar Racial Equity Grant experts quoted in a recent Detroit Free Press story. he McFarland School District has Partnership Program’s oversight com- Doug Levin, founder of the K-12 received a $1 million grant to mittee, told the McFarland Thistle that the Cybersecurity Resource Center, told support the social and emotional award recipients “were chosen based on the newspaper that districts tend to health of its Black students. The their intent to address and acknowledge use older equipment and software. Tgrant, awarded by the University of the correlation between societal/mental They may also not devote as many Wisconsin’s Wisconsin Partnership well-being and racial equality.” resources to cyber defenses as private Program, will be used to help close “The award recipients address issues companies do. the achievement gap in part by that are key to our societal well-being: Student personal information can funding an expansion of a mentoring health disparities, including those directly be valuable, he says, because crimi- program, Natural Circles of Support. worsened by COVID-19, and the impact of nals can open credit using the records The program began in 2017 with racism on health,” Kind said. “By of students, who may not monitor mentoring circles that allowed students of addressing the building blocks of health, their credit. Alternatively, criminals color to share their experiences. It has including social connection, employment, may hack into a school system and demand ransom to regain access. grown into a collaboration between stu- economic stability and access to care, More than 1,000 cyber attacks dents and staff with the goal of improving these initiatives have the potential to on K-12 school systems have been the school’s racial climate. forge new and innovative paths that reported since 2016. N Amy Kind, chair of the Wisconsin dismantle barriers to achieving health.” N Connect with the WASB! Twitter @wasbwi Facebook facebook.com/WISchoolBoards

2 | Wisconsin School News VIEWPOINT Jo h n H. A s h l e y

Using Evaluations to Build Strong Relationships

s we approach the end of 2020, WASB consultants, most of whom are driven decision making. I’m proud to announce the cul- former superintendents, it is intended This year, we added new questions mination of two major projects to help boards strengthen the pivotal about a board’s role in meeting the WASB staff and consultants have relationship with their superintendent needs of all students to foster conver- Abeen working on this year. But before and improve the overall leadership of sations about how resources are allo- we get to that, I would be remiss in the district based on mutual respect cated and decisions are made to not acknowledging the potential for and understanding. substantial changes coming our way in The Framework includes evalua- ensure positive outcomes for all stu- 2021 with the transition to the new tion requirements, key considerations, dents. For those who have been using federal administration, Congress and prompts, questions, self-assessment the survey tool annually, we kept the state Legislature in January and a new tools, goals, a job description audit existing questions so you can continue state superintendent in April. tool, sample artifacts and more. It is comparing each year’s results. I encourage you to read the aligned to state and national leader- In addition, we’re excited to Capitol Watch column on page 28 ship standards and the district’s job announce that School Perceptions for an insightful look at how state description. added an administrator dashboard to and federal changes may impact your In recognition that boards often allow districts to more easily admin- local district. Watch for more infor- evaluate their superintendents on a mation from the WASB in the coming series of goals over a multi-year ister the survey tool. Districts now months as our federal and state cycle, the Framework is being have a single web page to send the elected officials begin new terms. offered as a three-year subscription. survey to its members, monitor Now for the announcements — For one low fee, the district receives responses, send reminders and access during this challenging time, it’s even access to the Framework for three real-time results. You can also now more important for boards to take a years as well as two hours of WASB preview the survey in its entirety by step back and assess their effective- consultation time to begin the imple- using the link on the WASB website. ness. Strong relationships — among mentation process. And of course, The Annual Board Development board members and between the the WASB can provide more assis- Tool remains free to members. Infor- board and superintendent — are at the tance if requested. Visit WASB.org heart of effective school governance. to learn more and subscribe. mation was sent to districts in Having a greater understanding of The second major project we have November on how to access the which areas you and your colleagues been working on is the Annual Board updated survey for 2020-21. Learn agree on and which you do not allows Development Tool. It was created more at WASB.org. you to focus your time and attention several years ago by School Percep- If you’d like to delve deeper — into strategically. tions and the WASB to help boards board improvement, superintendent So, I’m excited to announce the identify their areas of strength as well evaluation or other governance topics introduction of the WASB Superinten- as where further discussion is needed. — WASB consultants are ready to put dent Evaluation Framework and an Aligned to the Key Work of their decades of experience to work updated Annual Board Development School Boards, the popular survey Tool for Wisconsin school boards. tool allows boards to rate their work for you. Building a stronger founda- The Superintendent Evaluation along nine dimensions, including tion today gives you the ability to Framework recognizes the need for board operations, vision, community more effectively tackle whatever continuous growth. Designed by engagement, budgeting and data- comes your way tomorrow. n

During this challenging time, it’s even more important for boards to take a step back and assess their effectiveness.

Connect with the WASB! Twitter @wasbwi Facebook facebook.com/WISchoolBoards

December 2020 | 3 SHREYA GODISHALA, then a Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District student, works in a UW-Madison botany lab.

4 | Wisconsin School News Business HONOR ROLL

School districts and businesses partner up to lend support and create opportunities for students

Waterford Union High School “Everyone with direct student if this is something everyone has contact took ownership and wanted bought into or if it has been thrown AVIDITY SCIENCE it to succeed.” onto employees’ plates,” Roeglin says. Katy Smith, human resources The goal is to have the company or some special education director at Avidity, said the 50-year- take the lead, which can’t happen students, finding a summer job F old company has long partnered with without the partner’s commitment. in high school isn’t the relatively community organizations and agencies “Approach businesses who are of smooth experience it can be for their that help people with disabilities. At the the mindset to create meaningful classmates. same time, these partnerships address a experiences and offer on-the-job That’s why Nick Roeglin, a talent shortage in manufacturing. training to expose students to various special education teacher at the “It’s not only on-the-job experi- career opportunities,” Smith says. Waterford Union High School Dis- ence and exploration, it’s a benefit to “Some businesses may be surprised to trict, reached out to companies to Avidity to develop our own talent find it’s not just rewarding for students find employers willing to work with pipeline,” she says. his students. He believes his teens but for businesses and employees who The partnership, which had two benefit from acquiring employable serve as a mentor or coach.” long-term participants before it was skills and an experience they could put on a resume. put on hold by the pandemic last New London School District A handful of companies agreed to spring, was also rewarding for help. One of them was Avidity Sci- employees. NORTHLAND ELECTRICAL ences, which makes a variety of prod- “One in particular took the SERVICES ucts in animal and life sciences, such students under her wing and found as automated animal watering systems it rewarding to be able to give them en Grumann had chosen an and water purification systems. that real-world work experience,” BEagle Scout Service Project that Roeglin’s students, among those Smith says, noting that the jobs were would help his school — building an with the most significant learning broken down into discrete tasks that archway to direct visitors to the needs, were treated like other company wouldn’t overwhelm the students, New London High School football employees. They were taken through who worked for two hours at a time. and track stadium. onboarding, given a name badge and The students appreciated per- But he soon hit the first of several assigned to a trainer. forming a real job within a company. roadblocks when the project budget The students were assigned “They went to work and it was came in at $88,000 — more than four to entry-level positions, including work; it wasn’t a created job within times the original estimate of $20,000. packaging and assembly. At first, the school,” Roeglin says. Grumann went to Northland Roeglin stayed with the students For districts considering a part- Electrical Services owner Robert to support them, but he eventually nership like this, Roeglin’s advice is Corey Defferding, who donated became hands-off as the Avidity to do the homework about what job about $20,000 and helped him trainer took over. types would be a good fit. District manage the contractors who would “The whole key to why this officials should also trust their build the archway. worked is that everybody at Avidity instincts about whether the partner- Then COVID-19 hit, and sched- was invested,” Roeglin says of the ship can work. uling became more difficult. company-wide commitment. “You’re going to know right away Grumann kept moving forward and

December 2020 | 5 New Berlin School District

THE MAD CETE Last fall, Steve Chepp worked with a group of New Berlin High School students to design a video game from top to bottom. Chepp, who runs The Mad Cete, a software, web development and cybersecurity firm, tells a counterin- tuitive story when asked what the students got out of the experience. During the second-to-last session, a student became frustrated with a decision made by his fellow game designers. The other students stood their ground and the upset student left. BEN GRUMANN, a recent graduate from New London High School, spearheaded It sounds like a low point in the the construction of this archway as his Eagle Scout project. He received significant effort, but Chepp viewed it as a help, both financial and in project management, from Northland Electrical Services, learning opportunity. Disagreement is inevitable in professional life, and which has helped the School District of New London in numerous ways. navigating it is just as important as learning to code. The student eventually apolo- gized and the students voted to completed the project by July. how apprenticeships help students. allow him back into their group. “I learned a lot of communica- “Northland Electrical Services has “One of the big things is empow- tions skills,” he says. “All of my fast-tracked that pathway for many ering them to find their own answers,” contacts would communicate in students to help them understand and says Chepp. different ways.” become familiar with what their He came to lead the game design The company’s support of Gru- future might look like,” Bleck says. mini-course as a result of his speeches mann’s project is just one of the Northland Electrical Services also to students with Junior Achievement. many ways Northland Electrical donates parts and funding to create After nearly all his talks, the same Services has helped New London, as makerspaces in elementary class- question would come up again and the district explained in its nomina- rooms. again. tion letter. Paula Titterton, who teaches first “Do you do internships?” Defferding’s interest in helping grade at Lincoln Elementary School, It’s a good question, and a hard students comes from his own back- says a donation helped purchase one to answer. Internships are crit- ground. As he started his career as technology kits that “help the kids ical, but meaningful ones are hard an electrician, Defferding said he be creative, show higher-level to come by in video game design. felt looked down on because he thinking and problem-solving.” Chepp says it’s a “show-me” didn’t go to college. He sees some She says the company also pur- industry, meaning that employers of himself in today’s students who chased flexible seating that allows care more about what you can do want a different path. than your credentials. This can make students to decide where they can “I want to help those kids who it more difficult to find experience. learn best and be “the boss of their kind of get missed,” he says. “At the end of the day, you need own learning.” That includes bringing on youth a portfolio,” he says. So, he decided One student might sidle up next apprentices, which Defferding has to help students make one. been doing for a few years, according to her in a rocker chair and lap desk In the summer of 2019, he to Joel Kamba, the company’s human during a math lesson while another approached the New Berlin School resources and safety manager. child might choose a wobble seat District. By that fall, the game design “It’s a pretty good benefit to have farther back. team was assembled with plans made a good grasp before you are dedi- “It’s not, ‘the teacher puts me to pull students out of their classes to cated to the field,” Kamba says. here,’” Titterton says. “It’s more like, focus on their shared project. New London School District ‘I choose to sit here. I have to be Video game development calls on Superintendent Scott Bleck has seen responsible for where I learn best.’” a diversity of technical skills, including

6 | Wisconsin School News ...knowing how to face a challenge — what resources or people to query — is more valuable than being given the answers. graphics and programming. The Institute’s K-12 program fessor Chris Todd Hittinger. It was “The first time we ran this, the director, Barbara Bielec, said the an exciting prospect for a student students were all programmers, so Institute has worked with the Mid- already interested in DNA. we had to leverage free art assets or dleton-Cross Plains Area School Silver started working at the lab bring in creative design students,” District since shortly after the part- Chepp says. nership began in 1993. Each year, as his senior year began, working The students ended up making 24 Dane County students partici- 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every other day a “procedurally generated” game, pate. Of those, four are typically under the guidance of his mentor meaning they program the game to from Middleton. Assistant Scientist Russell Wrobel. create levels — dungeons, in this A student’s application for this At first, Silver thought, “everyone case — randomly. program, which serves as a link just seemed to know what they were Chepp spent the first class going between schools and laboratories, through the program used to create first goes to the Dane County doing and I was kind of clueless.” the game. But, as much as possible, Schools Consortium. In consultation But he soon became accustomed to he wanted the students to arrive at their own answers. He believes knowing how to face a challenge — THOMAS SILVER, a graduate of the what resources or people to query Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, — is more valuable than being given worked in a UW-Madison genetics lab during his the answers. senior year. It was thanks to a partnership between The pandemic interrupted the the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute project, so the students haven’t yet and his district, among others. finished the game. But Chepp says reaching students “fulfills such a systemic need that I have to make a difference on so many levels.” with the Institute, the consortium how the work was different from decides which students are accepted a high school lab. into the program. Middleton-Cross Plains In high school, he’d do a lab once Area School District Students begin with an introduc- tory course to teach them about and move on, regardless of whether BIOPHARMACEUTICAL working in a lab environment. Stu- the results were usable. In the UW TECHNOLOGY CENTER dents then apply to join a working lab, the team repeated step-by-step INSTITUTE laboratory. Most join a university experiments until they found results. lab, as private companies are some- A mistake in one step might mean As a senior at Middleton High School, times hesitant to hire people under Thomas Silver found himself in a the age of 18, according to Bielec. redoing the entire process. UW-Madison lab on a team geneti- “Because we’ve been in existence Silver said the experience solidi- cally engineering a yeast genome. so long, we’ve built relationships with fied his desire to work in genetic To Silver, it was the best kind of different mentors on campus,” she engineering. work placement — one that didn’t says. “We get a student in the door, “After working in the lab, feel like work. and the mentor will continue to hire “It was actually pretty fun,” says students if they do a good job.” I noticed it (the process of genetic Silver, now a freshman at the Univer- A student who starts the program engineering) was actually a lot easier sity of Minnesota, Twin Cities. as a junior in high school and works than I thought,” he said. n The time passed quickly, and the a total of 900 hours through the work of sequencing and rearranging August after they graduate is eligible the amino acids that form genes — for a STEM-skills certificate from Thank you to the school districts that though different from a school lab the state of Wisconsin. Students who nominated businesses to the 2020 — wasn’t all that hard, he says. start the program as seniors must WASB Business Honor Roll. The full Silver was in the lab through a complete 450 work hours to earn list is available at WASB.org. partnership between the school the certificate. district, the Dane County Schools When starting to look for a lab If your district is inter- Consortium and the BioPharmaceu- placement in December of his junior ested in reviewing sample tical Technology Center Institute, year of high school, Silver emailed policies on encouraging whose primary sponsor is Promega many labs until he was accepted into school-business partner- Corporation. the genetics lab of UW associate pro- ships, contact the WASB.

December 2020 | 7 THE VOICE OF

Returning to school in a COVID-19 environment | Sharon Belton, Ph.D.

community’s conversations districts — Athens, Colby, D.C. under five themes and selecting around returning students to Everest, Edgar, Mosinee, Wausau and anonymous quotes to summarize A school often includes school Wittenberg-Birnamwood — and one their sentiments. The first theme boards, public health experts, educa- private school system. They asked will be relatable to adults, too. tors and parents. But there may be the students about their concerns little feedback from those affected returning to school, what kind of | They’re worried most — the students themselves. support they need and what they “Anxiety,” the report says, “is a This summer, the University of want adults to know regarding their compelling underlying theme of Wisconsin’s Wisconsin Institute for thoughts and feelings about school student focus groups.” Public Policy and Research set out to reopening. Most prominent were students’ fill that information void. They It’s the kind of vital work that worries about how and where they’ll wanted to give students a voice districts wanted to find time for, said learn this fall as well as how they’ll about the return to school process, Casey Nye, assistant superintendent in and they believe what they’ve the D.C. Everest Area School District. meaningfully connect with teachers learned can inform larger policy “Especially at the high school level, and peers. Concerns related to discussions and decisions. you want to engage students in that COVID-19 were significant, but In August, the researchers held conversation, but like every other secondary to anxieties around five virtual focus groups with middle school we were working hard to be learning and social interaction. and high school students in Mara- prepared to open the doors,” he says. “On a scale of 1 to 10, I am thon County. The participating stu- Researchers compiled the stu- a 4 for my safety but a 7 for my dents attended schools in seven dents’ responses, grouping them future,” one student said.

Anxiety is a compelling underlying theme of student focus groups.

8 | Wisconsin School News STUDENTS

The uncertainty around or virtual,” one high schooler said. Moreover, students hoped school reopening — what school will look A significant number of students felt would retain some of the positives of like, what their schedule will be, strongly about the need to be on site, virtual education, such as extra sleep, what the expectations are and more or at least wanted the ability to flexibility, independence and working — exacerbates these anxieties. The choose to be learning on site. at their own pace. “I liked the choice researchers said specific information about plans for how students will learn may clear up some of this uncertainty. Sudden changes back and forth between physical and virtual settings, without explana- YOUR GOALS.OUR MISSION. tions of why they were happening, also caused worries. Wisconsin public school districts face unprecedented challenges The report helped D.C. Everest and opportunities. The attorneys at Strang, Patteson, Renning, prioritize student orientation at a Lewis & Lacy, s.c., are dedicated to helping you meet the time when every day was precious, Nye said. It was a critical opportu- challenges and take advantage of the opportunities. nity to set expectations. “They just wanted to know, ‘What are the rules going to be?’’’ he said. The second theme belies the stereotype that teens are disinter- ested in their own education.

| They want learning support Green Bay - Toll Free: (844) 833-0830 The students stressed the importance Madison - Toll Free: (844) 626-0901 Oshkosh - Toll Free: (833) 654-1180 of options and choices with respect to Your goals • Our mission school reopening, the researchers said. strangpatteson.com “Give us the option of in person

December 2020 | 9 to do my work on my own schedule,” school student said, “We are staying that you’d hope kids would say,” a middle schooler said. online, so not really.” he says. High school students, the Students want their schools to They said having a mask policy researchers said, connect their find ways to offer extra- and co- would be essential and sends the academic experience with their curricular activities like band, sports message that schools care about the future generally. And they’re worried and clubs. Students would prefer safety of both students and staff. that learning gaps this past spring to have these activities in a virtual “Masks would provide peace of may get worse this fall. format if the alternative is canceling mind,” a high schooler said. Students also had plenty of them outright. Not all students agreed with thoughts about improving learning, Most students, even non-athletes, requiring masks, the researchers especially by interacting with fellow said they hoped student-athletes can said. Some said students might students. “Get creative,” one high participate in sports, with some citing fidget, remove their masks or other- schooler said, so “we are not sitting mental health reasons. Still, some wise render them ineffective, and in front of a computer all day.” students said offering sports safely is that the preferences of some should Students also had recommenda- a priority, and high-contact sports are not be forced on all. Several of those tions for virtual learning. They want not as necessary. who did not agree with requiring a way to access teachers in a timely Though students’ anxieties masks said they’d be willing to wear way for live help, and they want around COVID-19 itself were often one if they could attend school in teachers to use a common platform secondary to learning and social person. for information and meetings rather connection, they value the health of Nye said students in their politi- than multiple sources, like Zoom, themselves and their families. cally purple area modeled what they email, Canvas and others. wanted to see in these conversations. Few educators would be surprised | They want to know “There were some interesting that social connections were also a COVID precautions differences of opinion, but they were critical theme of these focus groups. The elements of COVID safety that expressed in such a respectful way,” are now so familiar — effective he says. | They crave connection cleaning, physical distancing, crowd The researchers had an inter- When students were asked to identify reduction and more — are important esting discussion about enforcing the the one thing they were looking to students. They generally said they use of masks and what steps schools forward to most this fall, being with were more concerned for the safety should take if a student refused to friends topped the list. And missing of friends, family and teachers than wear a mask. Students shared ideas, out on friends is “deeply concerning” for themselves. including suspension or enforcement to students, the researchers said. When That empathy impressed Nye, of civil fines. One takeaway on asked if he or she was looking who said it was a moment of pride. COVID-19 safety is that students forward to school this fall, one high “They were saying all the things want schools to clearly communicate

About the WIPPS Research Partners …

WIPPS Research Partners is a unit of Partners’ goal was to provide informa- the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy tion from the perspective of students and Service located at the UW-Stevens on the important topic of school been provided by WIPPS Research Point at Wausau campus. Part of the reopening. Partners and the COVID-19 Community mission of WIPPS and, by extension, Objectivity and non-partisanship are Response Fund of the Community WIPPS Research Partners, is to core values of WIPPS Research Part- Foundation of North Central Wisconsin respond to community needs by pro- ners; they had no policy “agenda” in and the United Way of Marathon viding information and to help citizens conducting this work. WIPPS Research County. N and communities make decisions Partners does not make recommenda- For more information about WIPPS about issues that matter to them. In tions or take positions on public policy Research Partners, visit wipps.org/ this particular case, WIPPS Research issues. Support for this project has research-partners/.

10 | Wisconsin School News STUDENTS SAID THEY BELIEVE DECISIONS ARE BEING MADE FOR THEM BUT WITHOUT THEIR INPUT. “We should have a say.”

the rational behind mask policies “No matter what,” one high with families. with clear enforcement. schooler said, “we need better com- Making communication a pri- The final theme revolved around munication. So I know what is hap- ority can help students both feel communication and engagement. pening. So I can have a better say.” included and reduce their anxiety. Finally, students said they believe “As soon as we did that, some of | They want to be involved decisions are being made for them the anxiety went away,” Nye says. Students, the researchers found, are but without their input. “We should “Obviously not all of it. It’s been a frustrated by a lack of direct com- have a say,” one said. really challenging experience.” munication from their school Students suggested that school Students don’t speak with a single leaders. Many of the students, espe- leaders talk about their plans via voice on any topic, but the focus cially those in middle school, were email, learning platforms or lives- group made it clear that students not aware in August of their school’s treamed Q&A sessions. want their teachers and schools to reopening plans. And even those Nye says the D.C. Everest district who knew in broad strokes — such traditionally writes a letter to parents. ask them what they think and feel as “staying virtual,” “going back in This year they made a small but about returning to school. n person” or “hybrid” — were important change — they made it a Sharon Belton, Ph.D. is the director unaware of specifics. letter to students that was also shared of WIPPS Research Partners

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December 2020 | 11 Exit Interviews DONE RIGHT School Perceptions’ survey helps districts reveal why employees are leaving, and how best to retain them in the future

very school district is interested leaving?” and, even more impor- produce trend analyses and helps in attracting and retaining tantly, “Where should we focus our remove uncomfortable power E top-tier talent, regardless of efforts to keep our most talented dynamics present in traditional position. To help achieve this goal, employees?” employee exit protocols — if the the School Perceptions team The Employee Exit Survey steps protocols occur at all. designed a powerful tool to examine beyond simply asking a departing In addition, School Perceptions can the reasons employees are departing employee why they are leaving. produce helpful reports that allow districts. Built upon a foundation School Perceptions, an experienced, school districts to compare their data of up-to-date education labor Wisconsin-based educational with that of similar districts. For market scholarship, Wisconsin-based research firm, provides third-party instance, these comparisons can help media reports and expert opinions, credibility and a deep reservoir of reveal if compensation-related factors this survey helps districts collect knowledge about education in the are a more substantial concern for your actionable data that answers the state. This tool quantifies reasons district’s departing employees than questions, “Why are our employees for employee departures over time to employees leaving similar districts.

12 | Wisconsin School News In recent years, the Wisconsin Center for Education Research has shown that over 3,000 teachers — close to 8% of the state’s entire teaching workforce — left their jobs for reasons other than retirement.

| The effects of turnover Hiring is expensive. Education School districts allocate about 80% finance researchers found that it of their budgets for staff and per- costs over $14,000 to replace just sonnel, but keeping the best and the one exiting teacher, but this can reach up to $50,000 for the most brightest is an all-too-familiar talented and impactful staff. Of this struggle for many Wisconsin districts. cost, about $8,200 is spent on the This is especially true for class- time and resources it takes for prin- room teachers, the most crucial cipals and peer teachers to sift school-related factor for achieve- through applications, schedule inter- ment. In recent years, the Wisconsin views and bring new staff on board. Center for Education Research has Turnover damages achievement shown that over 3,000 teachers — scores in math and English language close to 8% of the state’s entire arts. Meanwhile, challenges are on teaching workforce — left their jobs the horizon regarding the pool of for reasons other than retirement. future teachers. The Milwaukee

Annual Board Development Tool

Start the discussion on board effectiveness in your district. Use the WASB/School Perceptions complimentary, online Annual Board Development Tool to evaluate your board’s effectiveness in core governance areas including vision, policy, continuous improvement and more.

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Customized Leadership Services | 608-257-2622 | 877-705-4422 | Visit wasb.org

December 2020 | 13 “We’re confident that this survey will be invaluable as districts work to improve and enhance their schools.”

Journal Sentinel tracked enrollment privacy and feel obligated to have reached nearly double the in teacher education programs and respond to out-of-school needs. recommendations while, in the found that enrollment is dropping, b Fewer than 40% of schools meantime, adolescent suicide fewer high school students express nationwide have a full-time rates, anxiety and stress mount. an interest in the teaching profes- nurse. According to National b School social workers serve on sion, and the largest share of teacher Public Radio, over 25% of the frontlines to provide mental turnover is among early- and schools have no nurse at all, health needs and maintain mid-career professionals. despite a global pandemic. school safety. However, Wis- The Hechinger Report, an edu- consin Public Radio used data | Beyond the classroom b cation journalism nonprofit, from the Wisconsin Department Research mainly focuses on teacher found that student-to-guidance of Public Instruction to reveal retention, but there are substantial counselor ratios are at their that there are only 619 licensed job pressures across districts. This is highest since 1986, even though social workers across more than worrisome because the pool of they are a critical part of 2,200 Wisconsin public schools. replacement candidates is shallow, schools’ college and career plan- b School bus drivers can be eligible making competition fierce. ning, testing, anti-bullying for signing bonuses, guaranteed b A Wisconsin Center for Education efforts and course registration. minimum hours and paid Research publication noted that b A San Francisco State University training. Yet, according to mul- some principals report feeling that professor determined that stu- tiple Wisconsin media outlets, a they are never “off duty,” lack dent-to-school psychologist ratios shortage of drivers results in more children spending additional time on longer, consolidated routes.

| The “Best Practice” in School Fundraising. What can be done? The good news is that turnover is manageable. Research published by the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future highlighted that more than half of teachers leave their classrooms for non-financial reasons, and 57% of exiting staff said something could have been done to change their minds about leaving. If your employees consistently report that student discipline was a major factor in their reason to leave, the district Pandemic Safe may choose to allocate more focused training, research, professional Fundraising! development and peer mentoring to help alleviate these concerns. Contact us today for our best pricing of the 2020-2021 school year! “An employee exit survey is a tool districts have asked about, and 855.698.3839 classmunity.com we’re excited to be able to provide it. We’re confident that this survey

14 | Wisconsin School News “Not only will school officials be able to analyze their own data, they will also be able to compare their own data to similar schools, which helps create context.”

will be invaluable as districts work own data to similar schools, which Sample Wisconsin to improve and enhance their helps create context.” school board policies schools,” says Bill Foster, School Want to know more about this addressing employee exit interviews and Perceptions founder and president. survey tool and others in use by school surveys are available “Not only will school officials be districts across the state? Call School upon request by able to analyze their own data, they Perceptions at 262-644-4300, or email contacting the WASB. will also be able to compare their them at [email protected]. n

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December 2020 | 15 WE ARE LISTENING! RERIC partners with rural Wisconsin

Lynn Armitage

16 | Wisconsin School News few years back, Jack Jorgensen Garbacz is especially grateful for a and his colleagues were driving strong contingent of hard-working A back to Madison from the graduate and undergraduate students Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance enthusiastic about rural education. Conference in Stevens Point when “It’s so fun to see the progress they had an epiphany. we’ve made in expanding the reach “We realized we were the to students on campus,” he explains. only individuals representing “They are the future, the directors UW-Madison,” recalls Jorgensen, and individuals who will one day co-director of the Wisconsin Collab- make decisions about what gets orative Education Research Network funded.” at the time. “It was suddenly so According to Albers, the concept apparent that the School of Educa- of RERIC is to bring people together tion should play a more prominent from different areas. To do that role in rural Wisconsin schools and Dr. Andy Garbacz (left) successfully requires a skilled match- communities through research and and Dr. Craig Albers maker like Jorgensen, who is outreach.” RERIC’s associate director for out- Since that “aha!” moment in the reach and networking. “My role has car, it has been full speed ahead. In the “We’ve made it a been to make new connections and fall of 2018, the Wisconsin Center for priority to talk to leverage relationships I have already Education Research launched the established,” says Jorgensen, who Rural Education Research & Imple- people in rural facilitated key relationships on mentation Center. The first-of-its-kind Wisconsin, get to campus and with external partners center in Wisconsin is dedicated to while at the Wisconsin Collaborative improving educational outcomes for know them and hear Education Research Network. rural students, families and schools their challenges. One longstanding relationship through rigorous, partnership-based Jorgensen developed is with Wis- research. People tell us, ‘Thanks consin Rural Schools Alliance Exec- RERIC is led by co-directors Craig for recognizing that utive Director Kim Kaukl, who says, Albers and Andy Garbacz, who are “Jack and I have been talking for both associate professors of educa- we’re here.’” many years about how to get better tional psychology at UW-Madison. research in rural Wisconsin.” Kaukl It is a full-circle moment for Albers, is especially concerned about the whose parents still live on 80 acres flight of families out of rural Wis- of land near Medford, Wis., where | Collaboration is consin due to a lack of employment he grew up. the cornerstone opportunities. “It’s given me an extra hop in my “If we can work with legislators on Rural Wisconsin faces many educa- step because now I have this personal rural economic development, it will tional challenges. How does RERIC connection to my work,” Albers says. help people stay in rural Wisconsin determine which of those need Garbacz also has a rural back- and stem the tide of declining enroll- immediate attention? Through ground and worked at the National ment, one of the biggest problems numerous focus groups and conver- Center for Research on Rural Educa- facing rural schools,” Kaukl says. sations with stakeholders across the tion while he was a postdoctoral “We are so appreciative of RERIC fellow. In building capacity for state, the RERIC team identified five advocating for us at a higher level,” RERIC, the co-directors have oper- urgent research strands to ground says Ben Niehaus, superintendent of ated on two guiding principles — the center: mental and behavioral the School District of Florence to listen and to establish trust with health; teacher preparation, recruit- County and president of the execu- rural residents and education leaders. ment and retention; STEM educa- tive board for the rural schools’ “We know from Katherine tion; equity and diversity; and alliance. “We cover large areas up Cramer’s book, ‘The Politics of research preparation and training. here, but our voice is small.” Resentment,’ how crucial it is to estab- It appears to be a heavy job for The annual Teacher Speakout! is lish trust with rural communities,” one research center. However, RERIC’s signature listening and Albers says. “We’ve made it a priority RERIC’s core team of Albers, learning event. The multi-day sympo- to talk to people in rural Wisconsin, Garbacz, Jorgensen and project sium on the UW-Madison campus get to know them and hear their manager Jackie Roessler quickly offers a collaborative environment for challenges. People tell us, ‘Thanks for discovered that collaborations and the state’s rural K-12 teachers, educa- recognizing that we’re here.’” partnerships are the keys to success. tion researchers and state policymakers

December 2020 | 17 Albers and Garbacz report that mental and behavioral health in rural Wisconsin is a “public health crisis,” and RERIC is leading the charge to make mental health support accessible for students and families in rural areas.

to discuss the most pressing education an all-day affair to get there, sit effectiveness of our approaches to issues facing Wisconsin’s rural class- through the appointment and drive rural mental health issues and get rooms. Due to the COVID-19 pan- back home.” feedback from families, educators demic, Teacher Speakout! did not take To help resolve the dire need for and students to see if we can cus- place this fall. more customized mental health tomize our programs even further programs in rural communities, according to the unique characteris- | A focus on mental and RERIC launched FOCUS Partner- tics of each individual school dis- behavioral health issues ships — one of its largest projects to trict. It really is an iterative process.” date. The project, which stands for Albers and Garbacz report that An important component of families, organizations, community, mental and behavioral health in RERIC’s FOCUS project is the devel- rural Wisconsin is a “public health university and schools, is made opment of mental and behavioral crisis,” and RERIC is leading the possible by a grant from Grand health literacy materials with a twist. charge to make mental health Challenges, a special initiative support accessible for students and through UW-Madison’s School of families in rural areas. Most mental Education that is intended “to iden- health programs are developed for tify and address critical problems in larger communities that have the education, health and the arts.” “We want to be a bandwidth to offer backup support After three years of collaboration clearinghouse for people, from school psychologists, social with rural parents, teachers and workers or counselors. community stakeholders through to connect them with “In small, rural communities and FOCUS Partnerships, RERIC is our partners and the schools, these mental health profes- ready to implement mental health sionals are not available,” says programs centered on prevention, vast resources we have Albers. “We hear stories about fami- promotion and early intervention available to us through lies in rural school districts that have within rural schools this fall. to drive two hours each way to take “Of course, everything is up in UW-Madison.” their children to a mental health pro- the air with the pandemic,” says fessional. When you do the math, it’s Albers. “But we hope to evaluate the

18 | Wisconsin School News Albers asserts that most literacy “If the Department of Public programs focus on kids in crisis. Instruction or a district in north- RERIC aims to focus on kids before western Wisconsin, for example, are they get to the crisis stage. facing some challenges, we would love “We often hear from educators for them to think of RERIC first when and parents, ‘I am not a mental they are looking for answers,” says health professional. I don’t know Albers, adding that if RERIC cannot what to do,’” Albers says. “So we provide the solution, they will find have designed our mental health someone who can. “We want to be a literacy piece to give them the knowl- clearinghouse for people, to connect edge and skills to be involved early them with our partners and the vast on with their students’ and children’s resources we have available to us mental and behavioral health, and through UW-Madison.” well-being issues, before they may Most importantly, Albers and have to seek out a psychologist.” Garbacz want educators and parents | RERIC’s long-term vision in rural communities to know that RERIC has made strides in the two the RERIC team is always available years since the center was launched to listen. at WCER. Important collaborations “Tell us what your issues and are underway with other stake- strengths are. We will work with you holders in rural education, such as and give you some ideas,” says Albers. the Department of Public Instruc- “Let’s partner to figure this out.” n tion, the Wisconsin Response to Lynn Armitage is a senior university relations Intervention Center and the Univer- specialist with the Wisconsin Center for City Alliance at UW-Madison. Education Research at UW-Madison.

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December 2020 | 19 YOUR SUPERINTENDENT MATCHMAKER How the WASB Superintendent Search Services helps boards find the right fit

he selection of a new superin- | Go it alone? board members to commit many tendent is among the most Hiring a superintendent involves hours over the course of several critical tasks a school board much more than simply posting the months. Use of the WASB Search can face. Services can reduce stress on board vacancy and interviewing candidates, When confronting this members, freeing them to conduct says Louise Blankenheim, a WASB decision, board members have their normal board business and Search Services consultant who was plenty of questions. The first is personal lives. T a superintendent. whether to hire a firm to assist with Even if they believe they have the the search for a new chief educa- “Posting the position is just the first skills to conduct a search themselves, tional leader. of many steps,” she says. “We screen boards should consider the burden No matter what it decides, a board applicants and work with boards to such a search will place on their staff. should enter the process with its eyes find the right questions to build a Finally, a consultant can ensure that open. Hiring a new superintendent is profile of your ideal superintendent.” each candidate is on a level playing complicated, time consuming and A superintendent search requires field, which may not happen if some calls on a wide variety of skill sets. significant time and effort, causing board members have significant com-

Even if they believe they have the skills to conduct a search themselves, boards should consider the burden such a search will place on their staff.

20 | Wisconsin School News munication with a particular candidate. other state associations to find can- narrowed, the consultant will assist Ultimately, many boards decide didates. All told, Wisconsin vacan- the school board in developing inter- their schools — and, taking a long- cies are seen by candidates around view questions and completing at term view, their taxpayers — are the region and country. least two rounds of interviews. better served by hiring a search firm. And by putting its focus on the Why should you choose the WASB? needs of a district, instead of a job Finding the questions that elicit candidate, the WASB can help boards meaningful answers are important, | What can the WASB find the right candidates for them. says Blankenheim. “If you ask do for you? “We work for school boards, not questions right out of leadership candidates,” Steffen says. “We don’t To take a big-picture approach, the 101, you’re going to get leadership owe anything to any candidate.” WASB can give your board confi- 101 answers,” she says. dence in a time-tested process that Another important part of any Interviews are also a good time to includes a series of deadlines so you search is the receipt of applications know you’re on the right track. It and the subsequent review of the impress candidates, and knowing helped put an otherwise daunting candidates. The WASB consultants what to ask — and, sometimes more task into perspective for Cindy are in the field every day and know importantly, what not to ask — can many of the candidates seeking a Milgram. She’s the board president help attract a candidate. “You want in the Richmond School District, position. This insight is helpful as to paint the picture of a district with which worked with the WASB in board members read application 2019 to find a new superintendent. materials, many of which look very a board who will support the candi- “What was critical was the WASB similar in content. date,” Blankenheim says. providing a schedule of activities In its drive to help boards find the The consultant will schedule all with dates attached to them,” she best fit for their unique district, the interviews, make interview arrange- WASB uses input from the board says. “It set the pace and expectation ments with the applicants and prepare for how the process would unfold.” and community to develop a candi- the school board for the interviews. At the same time it gave the date profile. process structure, the WASB made In addition, the WASB consultants Between the initial and final inter- sure Richmond’s board was involved can answer questions about candi- views, the consultants will conduct at each step. dates and react to responses provided criminal, financial and educational by the applicants to the required “The board really was hands background checks. These back- on through the WASB experience,” written essay questions. This service ground checks protect the district Milgram says. “They helped us write is invaluable and can protect the a job description and very much board from a questionable hire. from an applicant with a less than took in Richmond’s expectations Once the pool of candidates is stellar background. In addition, the for every stakeholder.”

| The search process First, consider the team that leads your superintendent search. In addition to their years of experience in Wisconsin, our consultants can give their full focus to your district. “This is our full-time job,” as consultant and former superintendent George Steffen puts it. “The WASB doesn’t go away.” A critical first step in this process involves the WASB reaching out to individuals who have expressed interest in a superintendency. Each new WASB search is put in front of this cohort of more than 200 administrators, inside and outside Wisconsin. The WASB also reaches outside By putting its focus on the needs of a district, the state through its membership in instead of a job candidate, the WASB can help boards the National Affiliation of Superin- tendent Searchers and works with find the right candidate for them.

December 2020 | 21 WASB consultant will assist the important to stress that the WASB site visit to the finalist’s current board in making telephone reference consultant does not select the new district before offering an employ- checks on each of the finalists. superintendent; this is clearly the ment contract. After the final interviews, the school board’s responsibility and The WASB also offers a guarantee consultant can assist the board in decision. to help boards feel confident in their assessing the candidates and offer Finally, if requested, the WASB choice. If the superintendent hired as input into the final selection. It is will assist the board in arranging a a result of a WASB search leaves in

THE SEARCH PROCESS How the WASB Superintendent Search Services team guides districts through the search process

PLANNING: INTERNAL REVIEW: plan the second round of interviews, The first planning meeting involves An internal review can be done by including who will be involved and the determining the extent and the type a district committee as approved by the day’s schedule. There may be feedback to the board from those partici- of community and student involvement board. The WASB search staff provides pating in the process. The board in the process, budgeting and sched- a rating form. prioritizes their choices. uling activities, reviewing existing board FIRST INTERVIEWS: BOARD VISIT TO THE policy, and examining commitments of The WASB schedules interviews, provides FINALIST’S DISTRICT (OPTIONAL): individual board members. A subse- an interview script and an orientation for Board members decide who will visit quent planning meeting entails conducting a productive interview. This the district of their first-choice finalist. choosing five or six candidates for the orientation includes tips on the traps to first interview round and reviewing avoid and what to listen for in the inter- CONTRACT: interview questions and procedures. view. One or two finalists and an alternate The school board or its designee negoti- are chosen. ates a contract with the final candidate. PROFILE: FURTHER SAFEGUARDS: The consultant assists the board in THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT: The consultant coaches board arriving at the profile of the desired The WASB may assist the district with members on effective reference announcing the new superintendent to person based on information from checking techniques. The WASB the public and the media. Transition focus groups and the school board. conducts an extensive criminal services are available during and after the search process is completed. Some ADVERTISING: and credit background check. If the finalists pass these steps, transition services may be team Advertising is usually done on the they move to the second interview. building between the board and the WASB, Wisconsin Association of School new superintendent and a review of the District Administrators, and other web- SECOND INTERVIEWS: focus group data to help establish the sites. Print advertising is optional. The school board and the consultant district’s future direction. N

22 | Wisconsin School News A comprehensive reference guide is provided early in the process.

less than two years, the WASB will The WASB Search Services team Finally, the WASB services do not perform another search. It will be is comprised of experienced superin- end with the search. As the school complimentary, except for direct tendents who possess extensive board’s membership organization, the expenses such as advertising, travel knowledge about the position and new superintendent and the board and background checks. understand the skill set needed to be will have regular interactions with the successful. Their day-to-day interac- association. The WASB does not | Comprehensive service tion with applicants and school conduct the search and walk away The WASB provides additional assis- boards across the state provide — but rather strives to make the new insight that is hard to match and relationship successful. tance throughout the search process. cannot be duplicated using an Yes, a superintendent search is For example, a comprehensive refer- internal search process. time consuming and may be ence guide is provided early in the A quality search does not end stressful. However, the WASB Search process. The guide includes informa- with the selection of a new superin- Services are structured to provide tion on how to conduct interviews, tendent. School boards must strive professional guidance to the search tips for conducting reference checks, to create the atmosphere and oppor- while leaving the key decisions in the legal advice concerning search activi- tunities to facilitate a smooth transi- hands of the school board. A quality ties, a list of sample interview question from the outgoing to the superintendent search can ensure a tions, copies of all documents used in incoming superintendent. The WASB successful outcome for the school the search, and a comprehensive list of consultants can play an important board and the students, staff and salary and fringe benefit comparables role in this transition by providing a community. that can be used to develop a contract goal-setting meeting with the board For more information about WASB with the new superintendent. and the new superintendent. Search Services, visit WASB.org. n

Find the right match.

The WASB’s Search Services will help ensure your school board makes the right hire.

Our dedicated consultants are your trusted partner, considering your district’s long- and short- term goals and how they connect with your search for a superintendent.

Contact the WASB today.

Search Services | 608-257-2622 | 877-705-4422 | Visit wasb.org

December 2020 | 23 ASSOCIATION NEWS

WASB Webinars and Online Workshops Gullicksrud Joins WASB Consultant Team The complete WASB webinar and online Cheryl Gullicksrud has joined workshop schedule is available at WASB.org. the WASB as a Search Services DEALING WITH CONFLICT and Organizational Services ONLINE WORKSHOP Consultant. Over the past 36 I years, Gullicksrud has served Wednesday, Dec. 2, 7 pm (Registration is required) Wisconsin schools in a variety of Effectively dealing with conflict helps school boards stay positions, including business focused on the core goals they are tasked with achieving. education teacher, career and technical education coordi- Louise Blankenheim and Cheryl Stinski, WASB consultants, nator, district assessment coordinator, curriculum coordi- will discuss what causes differences to escalate into nator, principal, superintendent and CESA administrator. destructive conflict and share good practices to help you manage conflict in ways that keep people working together At the WASB, she’ll be specializing in superintendent productively. searches, board and administrator relationships, and school district fiscal operations. Cheryl can be con- tacted at [email protected]. N SCHOOL FINANCE 101 ONLINE WORKSHOP: I 10 Things Every Board Member Should Know Wednesday, Dec. 9, 7 pm (Registration is required) Blankenheim to Lead New board members are asked to learn new jargon while making Team in 2021 million-dollar decisions that impact school children, buildings and infrastructure and the local taxpayers’ money. Get a handle on In January 2021, Louise school finance by covering 10 topics that are essential to a better Blankenheim will take over understanding so that you can talk finances with your constituents from Guy Leavitt as director of and feel more confident in your decisions. WASB Organizational Con- sulting Services. Blankenheim WASB LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE will manage the WASB’s organi- I VIDEO UPDATE zational, governance and superintendent search services. She can be reached Wednesday, Dec. 16, 12 pm (Registration not required) at [email protected]. Each month, WASB attorneys and government relations staff provide a complimentary update on recent legal and The WASB thanks Guy Leavitt and Roger Foegen, legislative issues. who also retired from WASB Consulting Services in 2020, best wishes in their retirement. N

STRATEGIC PLANNING ONLINE WORKSHOP: What Does Quality Planning Look Like I and Why Should You Do It Now? Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 pm (Registration is required) WASB Connection Podcasts In a time of great educational upheaval, this is precisely Discuss Stress, State the right time to plan for changing our schools for the better. Education Convention As anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a In a recent WASB Connection small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change Podcast, WASB consultants dis- the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” cussed the impact of stress on This online workshop is designed to address: what quality school leaders and how to mitigate it. It was followed strategic planning and strategic thinking looks like; strategic by another podcast that focused on what to expect at frameworks; how strategic planning addresses major issues the upcoming virtual 2021 State Education Convention. in schools, such as racial justice, equity and the pandemic; the Visit WASB.org or search for the WASB Connection differences between strategic planning and tactical planning; Podcast wherever you listen. and how to monitor progress toward goals and outcomes.

24 | Wisconsin School News Congratulations to Our School Leaders Recognizing the 12 school board members who reached Level 5 of the WASB Member Recognition Program

ongratulations to the following school board participating in WASB and National School Boards members who achieved Level 5 recognition — Association activities, including attending events, C the highest tier possible — this year in the WASB serving on committees and serving as a delegate to Member Recognition Program. Members earn points for the WASB Delegate Assembly.

David Schmidt, Chequamegon Amy Riddle-Swanson, Menomonie Area James Knutson, Tri-County Area Diane Hoffman, Shawano Anita Jagodzinski, Holmen Karla Walker, Pardeeville Area Barbara Rodgers, Algoma Holly Thurow-Riahi, Brillion Scott Cincotta, Union Grove J1 Micki Swoboda, Algoma Earl Wallace, Kickapoo Area Kevin Hermening, Mosinee

Want to Rate Your Board’s Effectiveness?

It can be hard for a decision making and five other dimensions. school board to rate The intent of the online survey tool, which its own skills and is aligned with the Key Work of School Boards, performance. School is to give your board an opportunity to clearly Perceptions and the Wisconsin Association of see which areas of governance you agree School Boards have recently updated their Annual on and which areas require more discussion. Board Development Tool. It allows board members to It is intended to be the start of a conversation rate their work in policy, culture, planning, data-driven at the local level.

Take the survey each year to find out how you are progressing.

NEW FOR 2020-21: b Enhanced Administration — School Perceptions designed a web-based Administrator Dashboard that allows a district to easily manage their Annual Board Development Tool. The dashboard allows a district representative to preview the survey, send out the survey in multiple ways, follow who has responded, send reminder emails to board members who have not yet completed the survey, and access real-time results as they become available. b Expanded Questions — The WASB added questions about a board’s role in meeting the needs of all students to foster conversations about how resources are allocated.

The tool is complimentary for all Wisconsin school boards. Information on how to access the tool was sent to school districts in November. Contact the WASB for more information.

December 2020 | 25 WASB CENTENNIAL

THE WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS

Celebrating 100 In recognition of the upcoming centennial anniversary, the WASB is featuring a decade of highlights from the association’s past in each issue of the Wisconsin School News through early 2021. In this issue, we cross the threshold of the new millennium …

No event shaped the Court settled a recount dispute in Florida in Bush v. decade as much as Gore. Eight years later, a global economic plummet the terrorist attacks of marked the end of Bush’s presidency. U.S. Sen. Barack Sept. 11, 2001. Like Pearl Harbor 60 years earlier, the Obama of Illinois promised hope and that November he strike on U.S. soil galvanized the country and the war on terror began in earnest. handily defeated Arizona Sen. John McCain by more The new millennium began with the swearing in of than nine million votes and 188 electoral college votes, George W. Bush as president after the U.S. Supreme becoming the nation’s first Black president.N

In 2006, Northland Pines High School proudly opened the first LEED-certified school in the state and the first Gold Certified public high school in the country.

Oshkosh West High School students work on a Project Lead the Way project in 2009. In 2004, the Kern Family Foundation began providing financial support for Wisconsin schools to implement the program, which had begun in 1997, to support engineering education.

26 | Wisconsin School News School gardens and outdoor education have a long history in Wisconsin public schools. The first major school garden movement in the U.S. began in the late 1800s and culminated with a “U.S. Garden Army” of school children producing food for the World War I effort. Here a Madison public school student works in his school garden in 2005. n THE WASB 2000. Citing a need to consolidate services, the Board of Directors closes a satellite office in Wausau. 2002. A potential $1.1 billion state budget deficit prompts delegates to oppose further K-12 cuts with a La Crosse delegate maintaining, “We can’t educate children with more cuts.” 2004. The WASB leads opposition to a taxpayer bill of rights (TABOR) constitutional amendment that would have reduced local school board control. 2005. The Board of Directors hires John Ashley to be the association’s third executive director. 2007. Henry Winkler, aka “The Fonz,” keynotes at the State Education Convention. 2008. The WASB focuses on helping school districts implement the state’s new PI 34 teacher licensure rules. 2009. The WASB unsuccessfully fights to keep the qualified economic offer provision of teacher contract law. n OUR STATE 2000. UW-Madison wins its second straight Rose Bowl game. n OUR NATION 2001. State Sen. Margaret Farrow becomes Wisconsin’s first female lieutenant governor after Lt. Gov. Scott McCallum takes 2000. Dow Jones hits 11,722; US Census counts over from Gov. Tommy Thompson, who left to become the U.S. 281,421,906 residents — a 13% increase from 1990. Secretary of Health and Human Services. 2001. Congress reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary 2001. Tests show that 3% of the 446,000 deer killed by Education Act as the No Child Left Behind Act with demands for Wisconsin hunters are infected with chronic wasting disease. more accountability and testing; and “The Producers” wins the Tony award for best musical. 2002. Baseball’s All-Star game, played in Milwaukee, ends in an 11-inning tie when both teams run out of pitchers. 2003. Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s deposed leader, is captured by U.S. troops; space shuttle Columbia disintegrates as it 2003. The 2003-05 state budget eliminates the state’s re-enters the atmosphere, killing all onboard; and Beyoncé obligation to pay two-thirds of school costs. releases her first solo studio album. 2004. Louis Butler, Jr. becomes the first Black justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. 2004. Mark Zuckerberg launches Facebook. 2006. Principal John Klang loses his life after heroically con- 2005. Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans and the fronting an armed student at Weston High School in Cazenovia. Mississippi Gulf Coast, killing nearly 2,000 people and causing $81 billion in damage. 2007. A 20-year-old, off-duty county deputy murders six Crandon High School students and recent graduates and 2006. Jack Dorsey and two colleagues pitch the idea for a critically injures a seventh at a homecoming party. new online platform called “twttr,” now known as Twitter. 2008. Wisconsin Dells’ Lake Delton completely drains after 2007. A Minnesota bridge on I-35 over the Mississippi River record rains cause its banks to burst; General Motors closes collapses, killing 13 and putting a focus on the nation’s aging its Janesville plant, ending 100 years of auto manufacturing infrastructure. in the state; and Aaron Rodgers becomes the Packers’ 2009. Pilot Chesley Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeff Skiles (from starting quarterback. Oregon, Wis.) successfully crash-land US Airways Flight 1549 2009. The first Little Free Library appears in Hudson. on the Hudson River.

December 2020 | 27 CAPITOLDEPARTMENT WATCH Dan RossmillerN a m e& O. C hrisA u t hKoulor w

2020 Election Analysis Looking at the results and what impacts they may have

n this month’s column, we take a was elected to the U.S. House of elected president. Many Capitol look at the results of the November Representatives to fill the seat of observers suggest this signals the I 2020 general election and the likely retiring Congressman James Sensen- Senate will be more conservative. impact those results and subsequent brenner. Fitzgerald is likely to resign Sen. Janet Bewley (D-Mason, decisions will have on the state Legis- in January, creating a vacancy until a minority leader), Rep. Robin Vos lature and Congress in terms of edu- special election can be held to select (R-Rochester, Assembly speaker) and cation policy. his replacement. Because Fitzgerald’s Rep. Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh, 13th Senate District seat leans heavily minority leader) retained their lead- | State Republican, we expect the Senate ership positions. At the state level, Republicans have Republican majority will temporarily As expected, Rep. John Nygren maintained strong control of both drop to 20-12 in January and (R-Marinette) was reappointed the Senate and Assembly, but did not rebound to 21-12 when Fitzgerald’s Assembly co-chair of the bud- win enough seats in either house for successor is seated. get-writing Joint Finance Committee. a two-thirds supermajority and the There will be many new faces in He will be joined by Sen. Howard ability to override Gov. Tony Evers’ the next state Legislature, a bit Marklein (R-Spring Green) as the vetoes without Democratic law- unusual this far into the cycle of co-chairs of the committee that will maker votes. redistricting, with current district lead the Legislature’s work on the The dynamic of control of state maps having been in place for nine 2021-23 state budget. A certified government split between a Demo- years. There will be eight new sena- public accountant and certified fraud cratic governor and Republican tors and 16 newcomers in the state examiner with experience in con- legislature will not change in the Assembly when the 2021-22 legisla- ducting annual school district audits, coming session. Compromise will be tive session convenes in January. Marklein has been a member of the necessary to accomplish any changes All four legislative caucuses (one Joint Finance Committee since 2015. requiring legislation. each in the Senate and Assembly for Watch the Legislative Update Republicans picked up two seats Republican and Democratic law- blog for other Joint Finance Com- in the Senate while Democrats makers) have selected their leaders mittee assignments as well as the defeated two Assembly Republican for 2021-22. The Senate Republican announcements of committee chairs. incumbents. Right now, the Repub- caucus was the only caucus to see There is particular interest in who lican majorities stand at 21-12 in the significant changes with Sen. Devin will replace retiring Sen. Luther Senate and 61-38 in the Assembly. LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) being Olsen (R-Berlin) as the Senate Edu- Current State Senate Majority elected majority leader and cation Committee chair. Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) In regards to plans for the next

The dynamic of control of state government split between a Democratic governor and Republican legislature will not change in the coming session. Compromise will be necessary to accomplish any changes requiring legislation.

28 | Wisconsin School News AS A CANDIDATE, PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN called for big increases for federal education programs like Title I and special education (IDEA) in contrast to the cuts, particularly in Title I funding, proposed by his predecessor.

state budget, updated state revenue | Federal The President-elect has voiced projections had not been released as As a candidate, President-elect Joe support for additional COVID- of this writing but were due to be Biden called for big increases for related relief aid to school districts, released on November 20. Those federal education programs like Title something the Trump administration forecasts will hopefully clarify the I and special education (IDEA) in and House Democrats were unable state’s budget outlook as we head into contrast to the cuts, particularly in to agree to before the election. As a candidate, Biden endorsed a plan to 2021-23 state budget discussions. Title I funding, proposed by his predecessor. Ultimately, President provide at least $88 billion in additional federal funding to help stabi- | School referendum results Donald Trump’s cuts were rejected by Congress. The Biden proposals lize state education funding and pay Voters on Tuesday, Nov. 3 continued also likely face Congressional resis- a share of the costs for protective the strong overall support for local tance, especially if Republicans hold equipment, ventilation systems, school referendums seen in recent onto control of the U.S. Senate, reduced class sizes and other elections, approving 43 of the 51 which now appears to be likely expenses needed to safely operate school referendums (84.3%) on the determined by two January run-off schools during the pandemic. ballot. elections in Georgia. Extending broadband access to all Fifteen of 19 requests to exceed A Biden presidency will bring areas and students across the nation state-imposed revenue limits on a a new U.S. secretary of education, would also take a higher priority. non-recurring (i.e., temporary or who would almost certainly look to There will be a new education committee chair in the U.S. Senate as time-limited) basis were approved, reverse initiatives and guidance advanced by current Sec. Betsy DeVos current chair Sen. Lamar Alexander a 79% passage rate. Nine of 10 while also reinstating Obama-era (R-TN) and senior Republican requests to exceed state-imposed policies on Title IX, racial disparities member Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) are revenue limits on a recurring (i.e., in school discipline and others. Presi- retiring after the current session ends. permanent) basis were approved, a dent-elect Biden’s appointee would Alexander, a former U.S. Secretary of 90% passage rate, while 17 of 20 also likely oppose expansion of Education, played a key role in (85%) school district borrowing vouchers and other privatization guiding the enactment of the Every referendums were approved. efforts backed by DeVos. Student Succeeds Act in 2015. n

RESOLUTIONS ADVANCE TO THE ASSEMBLY

The WASB Policy and Resolutions Committee met in three virtual meetings to evaluate resolutions from school boards throughout the state. They advanced all the submitted resolutions to the Delegate Assembly in January, although with significant modifications for some. WASB Delegates should look for their delegate packets in the mail or on the WASB website with more information on the following resolutions:

1. One Cent Sales Tax for School Infrastructure and Technology 6. Assessment and Report Card Waivers 2. Broadband Access 7. Rehiring Retired Staff 3. Enrollment Hold Harmless to Address Emergencies 8. District Superintendent Evaluations 4. Instruction on Indigenous Tribes and Bands — Act 31 9. Comprehensive School Safety Legislation 5. Special Education Flexibility to Address Emergencies 10. School District Mascots, Logos and Imagery

The WASB Delegate Assembly will be held in a virtual format on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.

December 2020 | 29 LEGAL COMMENT Boa r d m a n & C l a r k LLP

Legal Implications of Employee Handbooks

he relationship between school language, define commonly used sions. Handbooks should also districts and their employees is terms clearly, and use those terms contain language that explains that T governed by a number of sources, consistently. For example, the use of all insurance benefits are subject to including federal, state and local the term “school year employees” is the terms, conditions and determina- laws and regulations; contracts; and ambiguous and could mean tions of the insurance carrier and the board policies. Another source of employees who are scheduled to insurance plan. governance is the employee hand- work during the school fiscal year Handbooks should also contain a book. Since 2011, Wisconsin Act 10 (July 1 to June 30) or those who are provision noting that the handbook and the elimination of collective regularly scheduled to work only is not an exhaustive list of matters bargaining agreements as the during the 9-10 months a year when related to employment. This is par- primary document outlining the students are in attendance. ticularly true with respect to hand- wages and benefits, hours of work Because handbooks are one of book sections detailing misconduct and other terms and conditions of several sources of employee gover- which could lead to disciplinary employment for many district nance, they must reflect legal stan- action. No handbook section can employees, employee handbooks dards and be consistent with enumerate every possible form of have largely taken over that func- individual contracts and board poli- misconduct. tion. This Legal Comment will cies. This does not mean that hand- Board policies often change review the purpose of employee books should be a pure recitation of during the year, particularly if dis- handbooks, legal issues involved in those laws, contracts or policies. For tricts are using a policy service. drafting them, and specific provi- example, handbooks often provide Because of this, districts should also sions that should be included in a elaboration on how board policies review their handbooks regularly, handbook.1 are implemented, such as with particularly when corresponding respect to sick and vacation leave. board policies change, to ensure that | Drafting considerations for Given the different sources gov- the handbook stays consistent with employee handbooks erning district employees, hand- board policy. Handbooks should Employee handbooks serve several books should contain disclaimers contain a provision that they can be important purposes. They serve as a that in the event the handbook con- changed at any time at the board’s means of communicating to employees flicts with individual contracts or discretion. Electronic or digital the essential terms of their employ- board policies, the latter documents handbooks are a useful format ment, such as wages, benefits, hours of control. This is particularly true because they can easily be updated, work and time off. Handbooks also regarding insurance benefits. Hand- distributed and received by establish the expectations a district has books commonly include informa- employees during the year, without regarding the conduct of its employees, tion about which employees are having to print out a new paper such as attendance and use of elec- eligible for insurance benefits, partic- handbook for each employee when- tronic communications. Finally, some ularly health and dental benefits. ever an employment policy changes. laws require school boards to adopt However, most districts provide specific policies related to employment, benefits to employees by contract | At-will employment such as policies on drugs and alcohol with an insurance carrier, and those standard and discrimination and harassment. benefits are subject to the terms of Employees in Wisconsin are at-will Handbooks provide a means of com- the applicable plan documents. employees, unless a district changes municating those policies to employees Districts might have difficulty sum- this status by policy, contract, hand- and processes by which districts can marizing the details of comprehen- book or course of conduct. Under comply with those laws. sive insurance plan documents in a at-will employment, employees and Handbooks should be easy for handbook. Additionally, plan docu- employers may terminate employment employees to understand and, there- ments can change over time. There- at any time, without prior notice, for fore, should be written differently fore, handbooks should contain a any reason (so long as the reason is than formal board policies or indi- disclaimer that the terms of appli- not illegal) or no reason. At-will vidual contracts. As such, districts cable insurance policies control if employment maximizes a district’s should draft handbooks in plain they conflict with handbook provi- flexibility in managing its workforce.

30 | Wisconsin School News Each school board must determine may be terminated at any time, with b Including a “sign-off” section what standard it will use for discipline or without cause, which suggests that contains a provision that and discharge for each of its various that, even if the employee had com- the employee agrees to be classifications of employees. Whatever plied with the requirements of the “bound by” or to “abide by” all standard a board chooses, the board whistleblower policy, the court policies and rules stated in the must make sure that the handbook is would have concluded that the handbook. This can potentially consistent in that respect with any handbook did not create an employ- create an argument that if the applicable board policies and indi- ment contract. employee abides by the provi- vidual contracts. Provisions that are routinely sions of the handbook, then the If a board has established at-will found in handbooks — mostly as a employee will remain employed. employment as its governing stan- vestige of districts’ collective bar- However, a “sign-off” section dard, it must make sure that the gaining agreements — that can erode that merely acknowledges that handbook does not undermine that an employee’s at-will status include an employee received the hand- standard and inadvertently create a the following: book is acceptable. higher standard for discipline or discharge, such as just cause. In b Promises or suggestions of | Legally required language employment longevity, security certain circumstances, courts have Every handbook should contain or continued employment; interpreted handbooks as creating specific language to satisfy legal either express or implied contracts if b References to “probationary” or requirements or protect a district in they contain provisions through “trial” periods of employment. the event a district is involved in which a court could reasonably infer This language suggests that when employment-related litigation. The that the employer and the employee the employee completes the pro- following language does not consti- intended to bind each other by the bationary period, the employee tute an exhaustive list, but represents handbook.2 If a court concludes that has achieved a new status other some of the most important sections a handbook creates a contract, than at-will employment; to include in a handbook. employees would have the ability to All handbooks must include a sue the district for breach of contract b Use of the word “permanent” in notice of an employee’s Family and if the district failed to comply with conjunction with references to Medical Leave Act rights.4 As a prac- the terms of the handbook, particu- employee status; tical matter, many districts include larly with respect to an employee’s b Use of the terms “cause” or their entire FMLA policy in a hand- termination. “just cause” regarding termina- book so that employees can easily In order to avoid this result, tion of employees; reference it when reviewing their handbooks should contain a provi- rights. Failure to include this required sion that the handbook is not b Establishing progressive disci- notice could result in an employee intended to create any implied or pline steps without providing a winning an FMLA interference claim express contract with the employee disclaimer that the district may against a district if the employee was and does not establish an expecta- impose discipline at any level, eligible for FMLA leave and can tion of continued employment or including termination, depending establish that the employee did not otherwise alter an employee’s at-will on the circumstances; understand his or her right to request status. A recent Wisconsin Court of b Establishing a standard of FMLA leave due to the lack of proper Appeals case highlights the impor- review under the grievance notice by the district. 3 tance of using such language. In procedure required by Wis. Stat. District handbooks should also that case, a teacher sued her former s. 66.0509(1m) for the impartial include provisions prohibiting employing school district, claiming hearing officer at a level more employment discrimination and that the district’s handbook con- restrictive than arbitrary or harassment and providing employees tained a whistleblower policy and capricious; with notice of prohibited conduct that non-renewing the teacher’s and the means by which to complain contract in violation of that policy b Creating seniority provisions about prohibited conduct if it was a breach of contract. The court that establish length of service as occurs. If a district widely dissemi- held that the employee did not the determining factor in nates a policy for reporting such comply with the requirements of the employment decisions, such as conduct and a harassment victim whistleblower policy. Additionally, layoffs. Districts should main- unreasonably fails to report the the court noted that the handbook tain the right to use whatever conduct under the policy, the district contained disclaimer language legal criteria it chooses in may be able to avoid liability for stating that the handbook did not making employment decisions harassment in certain circum- constitute a separate contract of (e.g., seniority, experience, per- stances.5 Similarly, Title IX requires employment and that employment formance, skill set); districts to identify the district’s Title

December 2020 | 31 LEGAL COMMENT [ c o n t i n u e d ]

IX coordinator and include a notice being under the influence of alcohol quences of any changes they make to that the district does not discrimi- or a controlled substance at the them. Boards should also be aware nate on the basis of sex in its educa- workplace. Including this policy in a that changes to board policies might tion programs or activities. This handbook assists districts in chal- require corresponding changes to notice should be contained in a lenging an employee’s eligibility for handbooks. Boards that have ques- 6 handbook, among other places. unemployment benefits based on tions about the implications of spe- Handbooks should include lan- misconduct or substantial fault if an cific revisions to their handbooks guage that outlines when and where employee is terminated for violating should contact their legal counsel. n districts can conduct searches, this policy.9 including desks, public spaces, district | Endnotes computer servers and district-provided | The importance of technology such as email, internet use complying with an 1. This Legal Comment was written by and cell phones. This language should Michael J. Julka; Steven C. Zach; and employee handbook Brian P. Goodman of Boardman & expressly state that employees have no Districts that do not comply with Clark LLP, WASB Legal Counsel. For expectation of privacy in district-pro- their handbook provisions risk additional information on this topic, vided equipment or in communica- having their employment decisions see Wisconsin School News: “Disci- tions using such equipment or district pline, Termination and Nonrenewal — such as discipline, terminations, servers. Such language maximizes a Under Districts’ Grievance Policies” non-renewals or layoffs — over- district’s ability to search and monitor (June 2019); “Limitations on Modifying turned by a court.10 While a dis- Retirement Benefits” (Sept. 2015); the use of this equipment and these claimer might limit an employee’s “Addressing Questions About Act 10 communications, including during ability to bring a breach of contract After Wisconsin Supreme Court Deci- investigations into misconduct. sion” (Sept. 2014). claim, a court might determine that A handbook should also contain a district that fails to abide by its 2. Ferraro v. Koelsch, 124 Wis. 2d 154, a section setting forth district expec- 368 N.W.2d 666 (1985). own policies is acting arbitrarily or tations regarding attendance and capriciously in violation of the 14th 3. Johnson v. Sch. Dist. of Flambeau, tardiness. Such language is required No. 2019AP725, 2020 WL 6141029 Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. if a district is going to challenge an (Wis. Ct. App. Oct. 20, 2020) Additionally, a district’s failure to employee’s eligibility for unemploy- (unpublished). ment benefits based on misconduct follow its handbook provisions can 4. 29 C.F.R. s. 825.300(a)(3). or substantial fault if an employee is serve as evidence for an employee who 5. See Burlington Indus., Inc. v. Ellerth, terminated for attendance and tardi- files a discrimination claim against the 524 U.S. 742 (1998); Faragher v. City ness.7 Districts also need to make district. For example, if a board termi- of Boca Raton, 524 U.S. 775 (1998). sure employees sign an acknowledg- nates a female employee for a viola- 6. 34 C.F.R. s. 106.8(b). ment of receipt of the attendance tion of the handbook’s attendance 7. Wis. Stat. s. 108.04(5)(e). language although acknowledgement policy and the employee sues the 8. 41 U.S.C. s. 8103(a)(1)(A). district for gender discrimination, one of receipt of the entire handbook is 9. Wis. Stat. s. 108.04(5)(a). way the former employee can prove likely sufficient. 10. See Scheckel v. Sch. Dist. of Wauzeka, Finally, a handbook should her case is by providing evidence that No. 92-3121, 1994 WL 36060 include the district’s statement in the district did not enforce the hand- (Wis. Ct. App. Feb. 10, 1994) compliance with the Drug Free book attendance policy similarly with (unpublished). respect to male employees. Workplace Act. That law requires b “Districts should review their hand- recipients of federal grants, which books regularly, particularly when | includes school districts, to “publish Conclusion corresponding board policies change, a statement notifying employees that Employee handbooks play an to ensure that the handbook stays consistent with board policy.” the unlawful manufacture, distribu- important role in establishing the tion, dispensation, possession or use relationship between the district and b “Every handbook should contain spe- of a controlled substance is prohib- its employees. However, if not cific language to satisfy legal require- ited in the grantee’s workplace and drafted carefully, a handbook can ments or protect a district in the event a district is involved in employ- specifying the actions that will be create inadvertent employee protec- ment-related litigation.” taken against employees for viola- tions, limit the district’s flexibility in tions of the prohibition.”8 As a governing its workforce and create b “If not drafted carefully, a handbook can create inadvertent employee practical matter, most board policies legal liability. Given the importance protections, limit the district’s flexi- also cover alcohol and include lan- of handbooks, boards and adminis- bility in governing its workforce, and guage prohibiting employees from trators should understand the conse- create legal liability.”

Legal Comment is designed to provide authoritative general information, with commentary, as a service to WASB members. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. If required, legal advice regarding this topic should be obtained from district legal counsel.

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SUPPORTING, PROMOTING AND ADVANCING PUBLIC EDUCATION Continuing Our Journey • Inspiring keynotes • Informative sessions • Networking opportunities

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WISCONSIN STATE EDUCATION CONVENTION January 20-22, 2021 | Virtual

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