Menomonie School Board approves re-opening plan in heated meeting

After a very heated discussion that required a 15-minute suspension of the meeting, the Menomonie School Board approved a re-opening plan for fall. In the discussion for the re-opening vote board member Jim Swanson objected strenuously to the part of the plan that allowed social distancing of as little as 3 feet if maintaining the CDC-recommended 6-foot distance is impossible, saying "We need to follow the best science." After the argument over that issue became heated board president David Styer declared Swanson to be out of order, which prompted Swanson to respond with an obscenity and calling Styer a "dictator". The meeting adjourned for 15 minutes, after which the meeting resumed. The board then approved the plan, with only Jim Swanson voting no.

The board also approved their new Policy 113 on Nondiscrimination in district programs, activities, and operations. The board also discussed several other items, notably the re-introduction of a resolution on Native American school logos. The resolution was passed previously by the school board but was defeated by the school representatives at the state WASB convention. The resolution has been re-introduced to schools for re-consideration by Tricia Zunker, school board president in Wausau. 

IV. ACTION AGENDA

A. Approve SDMA Reopening Plan

B. Approve Policy 113, Nondiscrimination in District Programs, Activities, and Operations

V. DISCUSSION ITEMS/POLICY REVIEW A. COVID-19 Report

B. Legal Services Report

C. Policy 171.2- Agenda Preparation and Dissemination

D. Annual Seclusion and Restraint Report

E. Resolution Regarding Retirement of Native American Mascots, Symbols, Images, Logos and Nicknames in Public Schools

F. Resolution Regarding School District Funding To Ensure Act 31 Compliance

G. Resolution Regarding Expansion of Affordable, Accessible Broadband In All Wisconsin Communities Along With School District Funding To Ensure Broadband Access For Students and Staff

H. Items Related to Next Meeting Dates, Board Committees, and Reports