Department of Justice Agreement - Superintendent's Message to the Community
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July 2024 - When I began my tenure as your superintendent one year ago, I was informed about an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that began in the spring of 2022. It centered on the use of seclusion and restraint practices, racial disparities in administration of school discipline, and racial disparities in law enforcement referrals. The DOJ has now concluded its investigation and on July 1, 2024, our Board of Education approved a settlement agreement with them. You can find the summary document, the full agreement, and an opportunity to submit questions you may have on this website.
We can and must create a more equitable school district by changing some of our practices and procedures. The settlement agreement with the DOJ will end the use of seclusion, create a new Student Code of Conduct, and provide clarity and consistency for staff, students, caregivers and our community regarding disciplinary practices.
We can and must create a more equitable school district by changing some of our practices and procedures. ~Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld
Safe learning communities – for students and staff – will always be of the utmost importance. I believe strongly that they will also help us to provide the innovative and impactful educational experience that every student deserves. Together, we will continue to do and be better for our students.Kelly Bielefeld
Superintendent of Schools
Resources
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-NEW 8-24: Student Code of Conduct Revision
Learn more about the work underway in fall 2024 to revise the WPS Student Code of Conduct, creating greater clarity and consistency in our disciplinary practices.
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- Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ section on this website will grow as additional questions come in from staff and parents.
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- WPS and DOJ Agreement News Conference
Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld and district staff held a news conference on July 2, 2024 to answer questions and to share the plan moving forward. Click here to watch the news conference.
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- Resources for Staff (accessible through district network)
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- Email us with your questions!
Do you have a question not answered on our FAQ? Please reach out at behaviormanagementoversight@usd259.net and we will respond as soon as possible. Commonly asked questions will be added to the FAQ section on this web site.