Spectrum Academy seeks waiver renewal for four-day school week schedule

The Law and Licensing Committee of Utah convened on April 4, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a primary focus on the renewal of a waiver request from Spectrum Academy. The meeting began with a roll call and a brief acknowledgment of technical issues affecting the proceedings.

Spectrum Academy, which serves a significant population of students with disabilities, is seeking to renew its waiver to operate on a four-day school week. This waiver has been in place since 2022, allowing the school to utilize Fridays for optional services and professional development for staff. The academy reported that it provides a total of 993.5 instructional hours and has received approval from the state charter school board, ensuring compliance with necessary regulations.

Mandy Furman, the assistant director of Spectrum Academy, presented an overview of the waiver's impact. She highlighted that approximately 85 percent of the student body has disabilities, and the four-day week has enabled staff to better plan for specialized instruction and comply with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Parents have also expressed positive feedback, appreciating the flexibility to schedule therapy and other appointments without disrupting their children's education.

During the discussion, committee members raised questions regarding the data provided by Spectrum Academy. Chair Carey inquired about the availability of end-of-year performance data, to which Furman responded that it is currently being collected and can be shared once complete. Additionally, the committee sought to understand any areas of underperformance related to the waiver, especially given the recent leadership changes at the academy.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the waiver request and its implications for the academy's operations and student outcomes. The committee's decision will play a crucial role in determining the future structure of Spectrum Academy's educational approach.