Board reviews $4.69 million Proximity Learning contract to fill certified teacher vacancies; members ask about coverage and learning impact

District staff recommended approval of a contract with Proximity Learning Inc. in the amount of $4,691,700 to secure certified teachers for live virtual instruction for grades 6–12 for a 10‑month term, intended to serve classes where vacancies have persisted.

Board member Otey asked whether the contract would supply a Proximity Learning teacher for every classroom. Interim Superintendent Richmond answered, “We probably do not have one for every classroom. This contract, as it reads, are for grades 6 through 12,” and staff said the contract is intended to be used where vacancies have occurred and is not guaranteed to cover every single class in the district.

Vice Chair Love asked about the academic impact of bringing Proximity teachers in late in the year. Richmond said staff will work to gather data on learning impacts and suggested the district would need to review schools where subs or other arrangements were used earlier in the year; he said principals in some cases moved students among classes to cover teacher shortages. Richmond told the board he expected staff to provide impact data in a follow‑up.

Why it matters: The contract is a multi‑million dollar investment intended to reduce gaps in certified instruction in secondary grades; board members sought clarity about how many classrooms would actually be covered and about measurable learning outcomes.

Next steps: Staff said they will gather and present data on student learning impacts and the number of sections that will use Proximity Learning services. The transcript does not show a final recorded vote on the contract in the provided portion.