Great Valley board directs administration to pursue state approval for flexible instruction days amid equity concerns

The Great Valley School District board on a majority voice directed district administrators to prepare and submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) seeking approval to use Flexible Instruction Days (FIDs) — commonly called virtual snow days — as a supplement to traditional make‑up practices.

Superintendent (presenter) told the board the PDE application is due June 1 and that districts will be notified by Aug. 1 whether approval is granted. The superintendent said a formal attestation from the board would be added to the May meeting minutes and uploaded with the application if the board chooses to proceed.

Why it matters: the state recently moved from a strict ‘‘180 full days’’ requirement to an hours‑based framework (900/990 hours), allowing districts more flexibility but prompting debate over how to preserve instructional quality and protect students who rely on in‑person special services.

Board members discussed three broad approaches but generally favored a hybrid plan (referred to in materials as “Option 1”): keep three traditional snow days and then use FIDs up to the state limit as an ‘‘insurance’’ measure for unusually severe winters. Several board members and the superintendent emphasized the application can be written with conditions and communication protocols and that approval does not require immediate use of any FID days.

Board member Tricia said she supported Option 1 and noted the district’s historical average of roughly 2½ snow days per year, calling the blended approach “the best of all worlds.” Board member Dave Barrett urged clarity on the effect on the school calendar, saying he did not want a half‑measured policy that reduced instructional days without clear purpose. Board member Wendy and others asked for stronger communication plans so families would clearly understand whether a closure day would be in person or virtual.

Equity and special‑needs concerns featured prominently. Board member Neha asked whether the district had performed an analysis of which students would be most harmed by virtual days. The superintendent replied that administrators have discussed contingency plans for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and would work with families to make up required services if a FID could not meet legal obligations. The superintendent also said technology and device rollout during the pandemic reduced concerns about connectivity for most families.

Operational points and next steps captured in discussion: - The PDE application requires exemplar lesson plans and a communications plan; the administration requested permission to proceed preparing the submission by June 1. - The board would provide a brief attestation during the May regular meeting; the state decision would arrive Aug. 1. - District staff recommended defining usage rules inside the application (for example, retain up to five FIDs total, or switch to FIDs only after X traditional snow days are used).

No formal vote to adopt FIDs was taken during the meeting. The board’s majority direction was to continue preparing the PDE application and return in May with details for a formal attestation.

Board members and staff said they would continue refining communication plans, special‑services contingencies and calendar options (including modest adjustments to spring break or conference days if the board seeks to create extra cushion) before any FIDs would be used.