Board approves emergency 'E‑15' plan to allow limited virtual instruction for emergencies

The Farmington Board of Education on Aug. 12 approved an “E‑15” emergency plan that allows the district to use up to 15 virtual instructional days in the 2025–26 school year for emergencies beyond the district’s control.

Rhonda Henry, introduced at the meeting as the district’s assistant superintendent for innovation and strategic initiatives, told the board the plan mirrors a version used last year and gives administrators flexibility to maintain continuity of instruction in events such as building fires or other incidents that would otherwise force extended closures.

Board members and staff said the plan was used during the Woodcreek fire response last year and once for a single high‑school virtual day; they emphasized that the E‑15 is limited to emergency uses only, not to routine snow days. District staff said they would provide advance notice to families if the district needed to invoke virtual days and that the Canvas learning management system would be used to deliver instruction.

A board member asked whether the district might use virtual days for professional learning; staff said limited professional‑learning use is possible but that the primary intent is to preserve instructional time in emergencies.

A motion to approve the E‑15 plan was made by Mrs. Heinrich, supported by Mr. Hall, and carried without opposition.

Administrators said the pre‑approved plan helps the district avoid extending the school year by providing an alternative delivery method that counts as a school day when state rules allow; however, they noted the E‑15 allowance is finite and can cover only a set number of days per year.

The board did not provide additional written materials at the meeting beyond the plan included in the board packet; staff said details and parent communications would follow if the plan is invoked.