Superintendent reports missed hours; board discusses AMI (alternative methods of instruction) options

Superintendent or district administration reported that the district has missed 27 hours (out of a state-required attendance total) so far this year. The district’s adopted calendar had 29 additional attendance hours over the state minimum; as a result, the administration said the district does not have to make up any days yet but that if the district misses additional full days it may need to add make-up days.

Board members asked about using AMI (alternative methods of instruction) rather than make-up days. Staff explained that AMI depends on student access to connectivity and parental availability. "We do have some areas of our community that are limited in connectivity," staff said, and noted that many AMI implementations rely on packets distributed in advance and that packets may not align closely to in-class lessons. Staff also said the district files AMI notices annually with DESE but remains concerned that AMI packet days are not effective instructional days for many students and that teachers often need to reteach content when students return.

Board discussion emphasized equity and effectiveness: members noted some families lack broadband or time to supervise packet-based AMI work, and that AMI may impose burdens on parents. One board member concluded the in-person day provides more value to students and teachers, while another noted AMI could reduce the number of calendar make-up days if remote-instruction methods and connectivity improved.

Ending: The board did not adopt district-wide AMI changes at the meeting; staff will continue to monitor missed time and return recommendations if additional days are lost.