The Bolivar R‑I Professional Development Committee presented revisions to its handbook and described new options to support teacher learning and equitable use of PD funds.

Heather Sitton, president of the committee, and committee co‑lead Jonna (Jonna) Taylor told the board the handbook now requires staff to pitch PD requests to building administration before submitting formal requests, and it includes a new in‑building coaching option that brings experts into classrooms for observation and feedback. Sitton said the committee also split the mentor‑mentee coordinator role into K–5 and 6–12 positions to align with state guidelines for beginning teacher support.

“We ensure that staff is aware of how to access those needs and request those,” Sitton said, describing monthly committee meetings and building representation. The committee reported eight learning events approved under the new in‑building model and outlined plans for a district PD day on Jan. 5 that will use staff survey results to shape content.

The committee asked the board to maintain PD funding and support stipends to incentivize participation. Later in the meeting the board approved the 2025–26 professional development handbook as presented.

The presentation emphasized data collection, equitable distribution of PD funds and measures to avoid repeatedly funding the same staff member to the same external event when alternatives exist. The committee asked administrators to continue collaborating on district PD priorities and to support committee membership.