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Administration outlines three‑year plan for flexible instructional days; board to vote next meeting
Summary
East Penn administration presented its three‑year flexible instructional days (FID) plan, describing asynchronous student work posted in LMS by set times, teacher availability for questions, and communication protocols; the board will consider formal approval at its next meeting.
District administrators presented an informational overview of the flexible instructional days (FID) plan the district will place on the board agenda for formal action at the next meeting. The plan covers the 2025–26 through 2027–28 school years and preserves a maximum of five FIDs per year.
The district said it will continue an asynchronous model for FIDs. Under the proposal, teachers post day plans through existing learning management systems—Seesaw at primary grades, Google Classroom in upper elementary, and Schoology at secondary level. Secondary content is to be posted by 8:30 a.m.; elementary content by 9:30 a.m. Teachers must be available to respond to student questions through LMS messaging, email, and when needed by Google Meet. The district noted it is a 1:1 tech environment (elementary iPads; secondary Chromebooks) and that Kajeet hotspots are available for families who lack home Internet access.
Administrators said FIDs can be called for weather or other events that render buildings unusable; they emphasized making the call early—sometimes the night before—so staff and families have time to prepare. The presentation included data on recent use: zero FIDs in 2022–23, two in 2023–24 and one in 2024–25.
Board discussion raised equity and instructional concerns. Mr. Smith and others questioned whether FIDs deliver meaningful instruction for students who need adult‑led interventions. Some trustees said parental scheduling and child supervision create burdens for working families. Others—including Mr. Kelly—said teachers had generally provided effective and interactive FID content and that the tool reduced the need to add make‑up days at the end of the year.
Next steps: Administration will place the FID plan on the next meeting agenda for the board’s vote and continue to monitor feedback and usage. The administration said it will continue to offer hotspots and support for families with connectivity challenges.
Ending: Board members expressed mixed views but recognized FIDs as a limited, useful tool when used sparingly; the formal vote will occur at the next regular meeting.
