Wisconsin school districts are heading into a transformative year. With new state legislation and continued funding initiatives shaping everything from device usage to mental health infrastructure, K-12 leaders across the state are facing an evolving set of responsibilities. The 2025-26 school year won’t just be about keeping up – it’ll be about planning ahead, building compliance into every layer of operations, and keeping students safe, supported, and connected in line with Wisconsin school policy.
Whether you’re part of a large urban district or a smaller suburban system, Wisconsin’s latest policy changes are designed to impact how schools manage technology, protect student data, and deliver equitable support services. For district leaders, the key will be balancing compliance with practicality, and finding ways to implement new policies in a manner that’s both scalable and student-first.
What’s Changing for Wisconsin School Policy in 2025-26?
Cell Phone Bans
No statewide ban has been passed, but local cell phone policies are trending upward across Wisconsin. Districts are independently implementing restrictions during the school day to reduce distractions and improve focus. Clear family communication and tools like classroom management software are critical for consistent enforcement. While no direct funding supports these bans, technology-based safety grants like AB 40 may apply when devices are tied to procedural safety plans.
Student Data Privacy & Protection
Federal privacy laws (FERPA and COPPA) remain the baseline, and while Wisconsin has not enacted new privacy legislation, expectations for transparency and security are rising. Districts must ensure vendor compliance and conduct regular audits on data handling, storage, and parent access. Funding may be available via SchoolSafety.gov and federal cybersecurity grants.
Internet Safety & Cyberbullying
Schools must comply with WI Act 309, which expanded definitions of bullying and required school board policy updates. Although no new laws were passed this year, schools are expected to maintain robust cyberbullying policies, deliver staff and student training, and integrate digital citizenship education. The Grants Finder Tool on SchoolSafety.gov may support these efforts.
Technology-Based School Safety
In Wisconsin, school infrastructure and emergency planning are guided by three key pieces of legislation for 2025-26. AB 40 (currently pending) proposes $30 million in school safety grants, with up to $20,000 available per school site. WI Act 143 offers an additional $100 million to support secure entry upgrades, improved communication systems, and safety training initiatives.
Meanwhile, WI Act 185 requires all schools to submit digital critical incident mapping to the Wisconsin Department of Justice – a mandate designed to enhance coordination with first responders. To comply, districts must demonstrate clear preparedness protocols, particularly around secure building access and rapid emergency response. Grant opportunities are available to support infrastructure upgrades, staff training, and digital mapping requirements.
Mental Health Technology Services
No new laws were introduced, but the 2023-25 biennial mental health goals remain in focus. Schools are encouraged to expand access through licensed professionals, school-based programs, and telehealth tools. Districts can pursue federal SBMH grants of up to $3M or apply through SchoolSafety.gov for additional support.
Parental Rights & Technology Oversight
Though not legislated at the state level, there’s increasing community pressure for greater transparency in student technology use and mental health monitoring. Schools are encouraged to provide families with real-time activity reports, alert summaries, and clear communication protocols. These efforts may align with existing grants focused on digital wellbeing, engagement, and school safety.
Download the 2025-26 School Readiness Guide
To help district and school leaders stay ahead of these shifts, we’ve created the 2025-26 School Readiness Guide: a national resource designed to help K-12 decision-makers align their practices with the latest legislation, safety mandates, and student wellness priorities.
The guide includes six key focus areas:
- Cell phone bans & digital distractions
- Student data privacy & vendor accountability
- Campus & physical safety
- Online safety & digital wellbeing
- Responsible AI readiness & usage
- Community-centered student support
Each section includes a clear checklist and action items to follow, making the guide easy to reference and implement.
You can download the guide for free here.
Further K-12 Guidance & Support is Just a Click Away
At Securly, we’re proud to support 407,898 students across 304 schools and districts in Wisconsin. Our trusted partners include Madison Metropolitan School District, Kenosha Unified, Green Bay Area Public, Waukesha, Janesville, Sheboygan Area, Sun Prairie, Wausau, Middleton-Cross Plains, and Elmbrook Schools to name a few.
Whether you’re responding to new policy, evaluating your safety and wellness tools, or looking for expert support, our team is always here to support you along the way.
To learn more about Securly, visit our website.
For regularly updated Wisconsin school policy information, bookmark the hub.
To discuss your school and its needs for 2025-26 with one of our experts, schedule a call.
