District proposes seeking TEA waivers, Letters of Reasonable Assurance for uncertified teachers
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Summary
Administrators proposed seeking certification waivers and issuing Letters of Reasonable Assurance to allow employees on emergency permits to remain while completing certification; the proposal would be a future action item requiring board approval to proceed with applications to TEA.
District leadership presented a future‑action recommendation to request certification waivers from the Texas Education Agency and issue Letters of Reasonable Assurance (LORAs) so individuals currently working under emergency permits can remain employed while finishing certification requirements.
Speaker 9 described the staffing context: many hires were on emergency permits and the district has hired 98 certified teachers this year to fill vacancies. Emergency permits can be used only once and waivers must be requested one year at a time from the state. Speaker 9 said the plan would stop a "revolving door" of resignations and rehires and allow principals to retain staff while continuing to search for certified hires.
The presenter outlined supports for uncertified hires, including in‑district study centers and summer opportunities to complete observation hours and exam preparation, and said the district would apply for waivers no earlier than 20 days before the first day of instruction (as required). Board members asked about incentive options and timing; Speaker 9 said compensation and benefits already offered are substantial and reiterated the district’s in‑house supports.
What’s next: the item was presented as future action for board consideration at a later meeting; staff offered to return with formal waiver applications for board action.