MONROE - The Monroe school board approved spending $24,400 over the next two years Monday to utilize NEOLA as a policy service that district administrators say will make it easier to review and update policies.
NEOLA, based in Ohio but with a Wisconsin branch, is a company that began 40 years ago as an educational consulting firm, according to its website. It started to offer policy service as the company accrued more clients, and as it did, noticed "districts needed help staying on top of the new and changing laws and regulations affecting schools," something Monroe District Administrator Rick Waski said would be beneficial to the district.
"I do think they update policies more than we have in the past," Waski said. "I like the administrative guidelines within the policies. I really like the aspect of staff, community and parents getting access to the forms online."
As part of the agreement, district administrators would be advised by NEOLA representatives in the process of drafting a policy manual. The resource would be available on the website and would incorporate current district policies and district-specific policies. Expert support would ensure all bylaws and policies are also included.
With the use of an online document, NEOLA representatives can more quickly provide feedback on new laws that may require school districts to change certain policies.
Monroe Business Administrator Ron Olson said the district's legal budget has roughly $25,000 available due to being under budget, which can be used for the policy service.
Scott Brown, associate for NEOLA of Wisconsin and former district administrator in McFarland, will make up to five on-site visits with up to 24 hours of time to gather information on building a policy manual. The board will then have to approve the final proposal of bylaws and policies. NEOLA provides at least two updates to policies during the year.
"We would be shifting our research and drafting of policies in their entirety to more frequently looking at smaller portions of policies to see what changes need to be made," Waski said.
While board members said NEOLA has some upfront costs, they noted it will help the district save time in updating policies. Members also said it will be easier to update policies by providing better access as policies are posted on the district website.
Brown told the group he's sure the district's policy manual can be completed in one year and will be ready to be posted online. Brown said there are some topics school districts may want to review during the timeframe, like a weapons policy, while he builds a draft of the manual.
NEOLA, based in Ohio but with a Wisconsin branch, is a company that began 40 years ago as an educational consulting firm, according to its website. It started to offer policy service as the company accrued more clients, and as it did, noticed "districts needed help staying on top of the new and changing laws and regulations affecting schools," something Monroe District Administrator Rick Waski said would be beneficial to the district.
"I do think they update policies more than we have in the past," Waski said. "I like the administrative guidelines within the policies. I really like the aspect of staff, community and parents getting access to the forms online."
As part of the agreement, district administrators would be advised by NEOLA representatives in the process of drafting a policy manual. The resource would be available on the website and would incorporate current district policies and district-specific policies. Expert support would ensure all bylaws and policies are also included.
With the use of an online document, NEOLA representatives can more quickly provide feedback on new laws that may require school districts to change certain policies.
Monroe Business Administrator Ron Olson said the district's legal budget has roughly $25,000 available due to being under budget, which can be used for the policy service.
Scott Brown, associate for NEOLA of Wisconsin and former district administrator in McFarland, will make up to five on-site visits with up to 24 hours of time to gather information on building a policy manual. The board will then have to approve the final proposal of bylaws and policies. NEOLA provides at least two updates to policies during the year.
"We would be shifting our research and drafting of policies in their entirety to more frequently looking at smaller portions of policies to see what changes need to be made," Waski said.
While board members said NEOLA has some upfront costs, they noted it will help the district save time in updating policies. Members also said it will be easier to update policies by providing better access as policies are posted on the district website.
Brown told the group he's sure the district's policy manual can be completed in one year and will be ready to be posted online. Brown said there are some topics school districts may want to review during the timeframe, like a weapons policy, while he builds a draft of the manual.