Marshfield School Board weighs conduct, safety and AI policy overhaul

MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield Board of Education is considering a series of policy updates aimed at strengthening student safety, establishing a formal code of conduct for board members and modernizing district technology policies to comply with Wisconsin Act 89.

One proposal would establish a Board Member Behavior, Communications and Code of Conduct policy outlining expectations for professionalism, integrity, preparation and respectful interactions with staff, fellow board members and the public.

The policy also creates a process for investigating alleged violations, with possible consequences including public censure, removal from committee assignments, restrictions on board privileges or referral to law enforcement when appropriate.

Because board members are elected officials, they cannot be removed from office by the board.

The board also reviewed revisions to several student safety policies that provide clearer definitions of grooming behaviors, strengthen professional boundaries between staff and students, and reinforce mandatory reporting requirements for suspected abuse, neglect or sexual misconduct.

The changes would require employees to use district-approved communication platforms, complete annual training and immediately report suspected misconduct as required by state law.

Additional revisions update the district's Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety policy by establishing expectations for responsible artificial intelligence use.

Students would be prohibited from entering confidential information into unapproved AI programs or using AI to cheat, harass, impersonate others or create deceptive content.

Students would also be required to disclose AI use on assignments when directed by staff.

District officials said the proposed revisions are intended to comply with Wisconsin Act 89 while strengthening student protections, promoting transparency and providing clearer expectations for board members, employees and volunteers.

The policies are expected to be returned to the full Board of Education for further discussion and possible adoption at a future meeting.

In addition to policy discussions, the board recognized the Marshfield High School girls’ softball team for a historic season that ended with the program's first trip to the state tournament in more than 20 years.

Coaches credited the team's success to its growth throughout the season, strong chemistry and commitment to improving every day.

The team earned seven All-Conference selections, two All-District honors, one All-State selection and one All-Star recognition.

Players balanced academics, jobs and other extracurricular activities while dedicating countless hours to the sport through early morning bullpen sessions, weekly open gyms and offseason travel ball.

Board members said the team's accomplishments have already inspired younger athletes to become involved in the program.

The board also received an update on facility improvements, including plans to replace boiler systems that have been in service since 2013.

The project will be funded through district distribution dollars rather than referendum funds.

Five local contractors initially submitted bids, though one later withdrew because it could not meet the timeline required before the start of the heating season.

District officials said a contractor has been selected but will not be publicly identified until the contract is finalized.

By using a local contractor and reusing the existing venting system, the district expects the project to come in approximately $30,000 under budget.

Officials noted that if the existing venting cannot be reused, the overall cost of the project would increase.

All resolutions were approved by the board members.