Board approves teacher waiver day and greenlights virtual school proposal

The Marion Community Schools board approved two action items at the meeting.

Teacher waiver: Superintendent Lockwood asked the board to grant teachers the same waiver the Indiana Department of Education allowed for students so teachers would not be required to work beyond May 26 to meet a 183‑day contract. The board moved to accept the proposal; the motion passed on a roll call vote with ayes recorded for Miss Slava, Mister Galgado, Missus Bento, Mister Griffin and Mister Vick. Superintendent Lockwood said teachers had effectively made up the day through extra work during the year and requested the waiver for the last contracted teacher work day.

Virtual school proposal: The board also approved a virtual school proposal. In response to a question from a board member about internet access, administration reported that approximately 96% of families claim to have internet access at home based on a registration survey. After limited discussion the board moved and passed the virtual school measure by roll call (ayes recorded for Miss Loma, Mister Delgado, Missus Bento, Mister Griffin and Mister Beck).

Votes at a glance:
- Consent agenda (items 26‑096 through 26‑102): Passed (roll call: Miss Salama; Mister Delgado; Miss Finto; Mister Griffin; Mister Beck — ayes recorded).
- Teacher waiver (26‑106): Passed (roll call: Miss Slava; Mister Galgado; Missus Bento; Mister Griffin; Mister Vick — ayes recorded).
- Virtual school proposal (26‑107): Passed (roll call: Miss Loma; Mister Delgado; Missus Bento; Mister Griffin; Mister Beck — ayes recorded).

The meeting record shows each motion carried; the board did not attach additional conditions to these approvals during the session.