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District unveils plan to add four 'intellectual discovery' teachers and expand enrichment programs
Summary
District presenters outlined a two-year plan to hire four zone-based innovation teachers (TOSAs) to support differentiation and launch districtwide enrichment programs — Odyssey of the Mind, science showcases, Battle of the Books and possible debate/public speaking pathways — aimed at expanding opportunities for high-achieving and curious students.
District leaders presented a multi-year plan to expand academically enriching opportunities and support teachers to provide deeper, differentiated instruction across sites.
The proposal calls for four intellectual discovery and interdisciplinary innovation teachers — one per zone — who would function as TOSAs to coach classroom teachers, model differentiated instruction and help build districtwide extracurricular and in-class opportunities. "One of the best ways to support teachers is by having other teachers who are outstanding supporting other teachers," a presenter said, describing the TOSA model and emphasizing classroom coaching.
Year one priorities include piloting Odyssey of the Mind, a science showcase and expanding Battle of the Books; year two may add debate, public speaking and a math exposition. Presenters also highlighted Project Lead The Way work at elementary schools and said they plan to scale successful models so opportunities are not limited to a few campuses.
Trustees asked logistical questions about where the TOSAs would be housed, how flex hours might cover after-school work and how existing staff could be leveraged; presenters said the positions would be located close to classrooms and the roles would include schedule flexibility to support some after-school programming.
Board members praised the plan as a way to broaden opportunities beyond traditional GATE labels so more students can access advanced work. The district said it will return with further details about staffing, costs and timelines for implementation.
