Board reviews proposal to contract international teachers through Teachers Planet Inc.; $50,000 placeholder in budget

Ms. Dasher presented an informational proposal for a teaching services agreement with Teachers Planet Inc. The proposal would allow the district to hire up to five certified international teachers to fill critical vacancies in math, science and special education. Candidates presented for consideration are international teachers who completed Georgia teaching certificate requirements; they would be employees of Teachers Planet Inc., not district employees.

According to the presentation, the district would determine salary levels and Teachers Planet would cover benefits; the administrative fee is $10,000 per teacher. The presentation said $50,000 was set aside in the budget to secure up to five positions, with two immediate placements and one planned for January. Presenters said initial candidates for immediate placement are from India and would serve in science and special education, with a math candidate available in January.

Board members raised questions about employer-of-record liability, disciplinary authority, background-check depth, housing arrangements and how English proficiency is verified. Ms. Dasher said the vendor carries liability insurance and that background checks are included in the agreement, and she agreed to provide the board with more specific written details on liability, verification processes and housing expectations prior to any contract vote.

The presentation was informational; the board did not vote on a contract at this meeting.