Board keeps principal-as-decision-maker language in retention policy after debate
Summary
The Manitowoc School District Board approved a revision to retention policy 54-10 that names the principal as the official decision-maker while directors emphasized collaborative implementation via intervention teams.
Board members debated changes to policy 54-10 that removed the phrase "building administrator" and named the principal as the official decision-maker on student retention and placement.
Directors and administrators told the board the policy—hanges did not remove team involvement: special education staff, intervention teams and parent input remain part of the process, but the principal is the person with final authority. "I think the intent is the buck stops at the principal," one director said, describing the role as the official signature on placement decisions while acknowledging that teams provide recommendations.
Several board members sought a compromise to avoid ambiguity if a principal is absent, suggesting explicit language for a principal esignee or clearer references to the student intervention team. Administrators said those checks exist operationally and the district will ensure consistent implementation during policy rollout.
Motion to accept the policy item from the consent agenda was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: the board left open the option to return to the policy for editorial clarifications if members remain concerned about explicit designee language or procedural checks.
Action: consent agenda item accepted (policy 54-10).
