Board approves using FY25 surplus to keep professional development amid Title II funding uncertainty

The Board of School Directors authorized the district to use FY25 surplus funds to cover a shortfall in its consolidated federal grant-funded professional development program after administrators said the federal Title II allocation is uncertain. Superintendent Joanne introduced the request and said recent federal guidance left the district unsure whether it will receive the full Title II allocation. “I don't know what's gonna happen with Title 2, but it makes me very nervous because I still believe in that commitment,” Joanne said. Administrators asked the board to allow carryover and surplus funds to be used so planned yearlong professional development can proceed. Joanne and Amanda Riggleman, who joined the meeting as a presenter, described a professional development plan focused on literacy, math and science aligned to state standards and assessments. Riggleman said literacy work is aligned to Act 139 and the science-of-reading and described the math program as focused on teacher learning about cognitive challenges that affect student math outcomes. The plan also includes yearlong support for supervision and evaluation to reestablish a research-based evaluation process the district previously used. Administrators said they are not requesting funds to hire new staff but to contract with consultants and trainers to deliver continuous, embedded professional development across the school year and to train principals in supervision and instructional leadership. The district reported about $150,000 in Title II carryover funds available now, and administrators said historically about $230,000 had been expected to support professional development across last year and the current year. Board member Garrett Giuliano moved to allow the administration to use FY25 surplus funds to implement the professional development plan as presented; Emily seconded the motion. The board voted verbally with members saying “aye.” The chair declared the motion passed. Administrators said they will implement the training through contracted providers and by conducting instructional rounds so leadership teams develop a common lens for evaluating instruction. No additional hiring was approved at the meeting; the vote authorized use of district funds if federal Title II funding is not forthcoming.