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Board approves application for two Indiana EdFlex waivers to expand paraprofessional and Title IV flexibility
Summary
The board authorized the district to apply for two EdFlex waivers from the Indiana Department of Education: Waiver 2 (paraprofessional qualification flexibility) and Waiver 4 (Title IV spending flexibility). The public comment period produced no submissions.
The Portage Township Schools Board voted July 28 to authorize the district to apply to the Indiana Department of Education for two EdFlex waivers that would provide local flexibility for paraprofessional qualifications and Title IV spending rules.
Superintendent staff explained Waiver 2 would allow an additional pathway for paraprofessionals to meet Title I schoolwide ‘‘highly qualified’’ requirements by completing an approved online paraeducator training (10 courses) within two months of employment, as an alternative to the existing options (two years of college or passing the PARApro assessment). Waiver 4 would provide the district additional flexibility to allocate Title IV funds when a district allocation reaches $30,000 or more; the waiver would allow amendments to the original grant allocations to better meet curriculum needs, including flexibility across focus areas identified in federal guidance.
A public notice was posted on the district website and no public comments were received during the required comment period, the superintendent reported. The board approved the motion to apply for the waivers by voice and recorded roll call.
Discussion noted the district subscribes to some online professional platforms that could be used for paraeducator training; district staff said annual approval is required to continue the pathway once the waiver is available.
Why it matters: these waivers would provide alternatives for hiring and staff development and allow the district greater discretion in using Title IV federal funds to address local curriculum and safety needs.
