Board questions use of MDE permits to hire GSRP teachers amid staffing shortages

During consent-agenda discussion, a trustee raised questions about the personnel action listing a GSRP teacher hired under an MDE permit and how that hire relates to the district's union contract.

A district staff member explained that GSRP teaching positions fall under the OPEA union and normally require teacher certification. However, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) can approve a one-year permit allowing a non-certified candidate to teach so long as the individual meets state standards. "MDE will approve on a permit basis for a full year, to hire someone in that position that is not certified as long as they meet certain standards and criteria that's identified by the state," the staff member said.

The staff member said permitted hires are treated as hourly independent employees because they do not meet the union-unit requirements and that this is not the first permitted hire the district has made. Trustees asked about pay progression; staff said permitted teachers receive the same percentage increases as other independent employees (for example, a 2% increase would apply equally). The staff member also said the district may submit up to three additional permit renewal requests to the state, but renewal typically requires demonstrable progress toward full certification.

Trustees pressed for clarity about whether a permit affects salary steps and whether the district will follow the same retention practices for permitted teachers. Staff said the district bases hourly rates on past hires and will reapply to MDE if the employee continues and pursues certification. The conversation closed with staff and trustees acknowledging the permit is an alternative intended to address teacher shortages while the candidate works toward full certification.

The discussion occurred during the consent-agenda review; no formal vote on the personnel questions was recorded separately from the consent agenda approval.