Board approves EdFlex waiver renewal to broaden qualifications for paraprofessionals

Dr. Miller asked the board to approve the district's EdFlex waiver application that allows paraprofessionals (instructional aides) to be considered highly qualified under alternate pathways. He said federal No Child Left Behind criteria previously required two years of college or passing a state test; current EdFlex guidance allows additional options such as documented hours of experience working with children, an internal district training course the district has piloted, an early‑childhood endorsement or an approved assessment. Dr. Miller said the state granted the waiver for the 2024–25 cycle and that districts must apply annually; the state has a waiver period through 2028 but local applications are required each year. Dr. Miller said the district has completed public‑awareness steps (website notices, surveys and board discussion) and requested board approval to submit the application for the coming year. The board moved and seconded the recommendation and approved the waiver application by roll call. Staff said they will continue using internal training options and document satisfactory evaluations for paraprofessionals who qualify under the waiver.