District to seek state waiver for two asynchronous PD days as it shifts instructional-coach model

District staff told the board they will bring back a resolution asking the state for a "1003 flexibility waiver" that would allow the district to use two designated asynchronous e-learning days next school year (one in each semester) so teachers can participate in full-day professional development while students learn remotely.

The staff member said the model would let teachers work in districtwide training without paying substitute costs for multiple buildings. “With our shift from building instructional coaches to district instructional coaches, we're cutting seven instructional coaches positions,” the staff member said, arguing that the proposal would preserve professional development momentum while producing cost savings on substitutes.

Why it matters: The proposed waiver would change the school calendar and shift how instructional coaching is organized. If approved by the state, designated asynchronous days would be added to the calendar and communicated to families before next school year. The board will consider the formal resolution at its next meeting.

Questions and process: The staff member asked board members with questions to contact district staff ("get with Nikki" was referenced) before the vote. The waiver application itself would be submitted after board approval of the resolution; state approval is required before any calendar change can take effect.

Ending: Staff presented the proposal as an informational item and said the board will vote on the resolution at the next meeting.