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Office of Teaching and Learning requests supervisory position and permanent funding for formerly grant‑paid tools
Summary
Department officials asked the subcommittee to add an education program supervisor in the Office of Teaching and Learning, and to absorb recurring costs for software and licenses previously paid with expiring ESSER funds; the office also proposed academic seals and other one‑time purchases.
Deputy Superintendent Megan Peterson and Shawna Jessen, who identified herself as the office lead, told legislators the Office of Teaching and Learning (budget account 2675) needs an additional supervisory position to handle an expanding workload and to convert several previously grant‑funded tools into ongoing base funding.
"We have around 22 full time positions that report to 1 director," Shawna Jessen told the committee. "This position could increase our efficiency and effectiveness ... we are in need of this second position." The department called the enhancement E126 and said the position would supervise seven education‑program professionals.
The department also asked to cover recurring costs that had been funded with ESSER and other temporary sources: Zoom and Smartsheet licenses, Office 365 productivity suites for staff not previously budgeted, and conference registrations (about $16,000 a year). Officials said they were reallocating rent schedules to reflect actual work locations.
Other requests and program items
- Instructional and credentialing items: The office proposed one‑shot appropriations for Canvas (digital learning) licenses and other professional development platforms, though one digital learning platform enhancement (Discovery Education partnership) was removed in a budget amendment to fund teacher licensure work.
- Academic seals: Officials proposed establishing seals (STEAM/STEM, biliteracy and a Civic Seal of Excellence) that would appear on graduation credentials for students who complete specified coursework.
- IT replacement: The department requested computer replacements on a five‑year schedule and noted each replacement costs about $2,300 per workstation.
What lawmakers asked
Senator Schreibel asked how the supervisory position would change duties for the existing education programs director. Jessen said the workload is heavy, that she currently oversees several content areas, grants and the instructional materials review process, and that a second supervisor would reduce overload and improve timeliness on tasks such as content‑standard reviews and implementation guidance.
Context and fiscal notes
The department said some expenses are being brought into account 2675 because the work has moved into that office (for example, academic standards council support and financial‑literacy work). The department noted it is removing one enhancement (a digital learning collaborative) to balance priorities and to fund teacher‑licensure system needs.
Ending note
The committee paused for questions after the presentation; department staff said they would provide additional supporting details if requested.
