At the Aug. 13 meeting the board conducted a first reading of a new multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) policy that consolidates the districts previous academic intervention (AIS) and exceptional-student support language into one framework.

Administrators said the policy aligns with the states move toward MTSS as an umbrella for academic, social-emotional, attendance and enrichment supports. Staff explained the new policy will be followed by an MTSS implementation plan that will detail progress monitoring, evidence-based interventions, referral processes and how extension/enrichment will be provided for students above grade level.

Board members raised several concerns and queries during the discussion: some asked that the plan include explicit progress-monitoring and fidelity checks for intervention delivery, documentation standards, and clear lines of responsibility for referrals and interventions. Administration acknowledged the policy provides an umbrella and said the superintendent or designee will bring a detailed MTSS plan to the board; staff said they plan to report on MTSS implementation in November and to have early-year benchmarks available after the first round of universal screening.

Ending: The board advanced the policy as a first reading and directed administration to return with a written MTSS plan that includes monitoring metrics and timelines for reporting outcomes to the board.