Mercer County board approves "Option 9" partnerships to fast-track instructional aides to teacher certification

The Mercer County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve memoranda of understanding with Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and the University of the Cumberlands to offer an Option 9 accelerated teacher-certification pathway for classified employees.

District staff presented the program as a three-year pathway that allows an instructional aide or another classified employee to remain employed while completing a bundled course of study that includes observation, mentorship and a capstone year that counts as student teaching. The presenter said the first two years include roughly 50 hours of observation and that the final, capstone year would provide student-teaching credit while the employee remains on staff.

The board was told the partnerships include discounts and administrative support: EKU offers an "advantage" package that provides a 25% scholarship credit and reduced administrative barriers and books for participants; the University of the Cumberlands has a reduced tuition FAQ and a separate partnership offer. The presenter said the district would sign a memorandum of understanding with EKU to finalize participation in EKU's advantage program.

Board members asked whether the district or the colleges would have any ongoing financial obligations if a candidate failed to complete coursework or left employment. The presenter said termination of employment would nullify the district's contractual obligations to that candidate and that the district could, depending on circumstances, extend time for completion; the presenter added the district has no financial obligation for tuition if a candidate did not finish. The presenter also said the MOU does not obligate the district to hire a participant as a certified teacher after completion.

Supporters told the board Option 9 could be used as both an internal pipeline for existing instructional aides and a recruiting tool for motivated applicants who need a structured pathway to certification. The presenter emphasized the program is rigorous and may be reduced from three years for candidates who already hold significant college credit.

The board approved the two MOUs by roll call; District 1 board member Amber Franceschi, District 2 board member Amy Hart, District 3 board member Billy Montgomery and District 5 board member Randy Phillips voted yes; District 4 board member Cliff Rubin was recorded absent.

The presenter said the district may consider additional partner institutions in the future and will distribute promotional materials to principals after the agreements are finalized.