District administrators presented two policy-first reads on Oct. 22 that align local policy with recent state regulation changes affecting staff professional development and district-provided homebound instruction.

Dr. Outlaw (title given in the packet) reviewed proposed revisions to Policy 9700 (staff development). The changes are limited in scope but reflect state regulatory revisions: the policy adds a statement that "unless an exemption is provided by the commissioner of education, the district will provide professional development opportunities for teachers to address the needs of English language learners," and specifies that 15 percent of the required 100 professional-development hours for certificate holders must address language-acquisition needs for English language learners.

An administrator described the homebound-instruction (home tutoring) policy and explained a distinction the state uses between parent-directed "home instruction" and district-provided "homebound instruction" for students unable to attend school due to medical, emotional or mental-health reasons. The updated regulations increased the minimum instructional hours per week that the district must provide: secondary students from 10 to 15 hours per week and elementary students from 5 to 10 hours per week. The policy draft also details service-provider options (certified teachers, contracted organizations, and remote instruction defined by regulations) and adds guidance on suspended students and credit-earning while tutored at home.

Board members asked clarifying questions about whether the 15 percent ELL training requirement applies to all tiers and whether remote instruction is used; administrators confirmed the requirement applies to professional-certificate holders and said remote instruction has been used in some unique situations but that in-person instruction is generally preferred. Administrators noted the increased hours will add district costs and described it as an "unfunded mandate." The draft policies will return for a second read with edits for regulatory compliance.

No board vote occurred on these first reads; the items were informational and slated for continued review before adoption.