Putnam board approves BloomBoard educator-advancement partnership with Barry University

At its June meeting the Putnam County District School Board approved a contract with BloomBoard to enroll district paraprofessionals in a job-embedded teacher-preparation program run in partnership with Barry University. The board voted to approve the program contract, with a correction clarifying the $8,222 figure is a per-year tuition contribution.

The program will place paraprofessionals who already hold an AA degree into teacher-vacancy classroom roles while they complete Barry Universitycoursework. Participants take two seven-week classes at a time, upload video of their teaching for evaluation, and are supported by a district mentor and a teacher of record at the school. "It is all job embedded," the district presenter said.

Why it matters: district staff said the model is a recruitment and "grow-your-own" pathway designed to fill vacancies and reduce hiring costs. The district will cover up to $8,222 per participant per year in tuition, and participants will receive a supplement of $3,250 at the end of each semester (a total of $7,500 annually). Presenters said the combined cost, together with the paraprofessional's salary, is still less expensive than hiring a full teacher and that Hernando County graduated about 20 paraprofessionals through a similar program this year.

Board members discussed differences between this program and other local degree partnerships (Grand Canyon University, Saint Leo, Saint John's) and asked about eligibility. The district said the program is primarily for elementary education pathways but can include early-childhood and ESE pathways where classroom placement and student populations meet the programrequirements. The presenter emphasized that administrators must sign off on candidates and that participants must commit to teach for five years; if they do not complete the five-year commitment they are subject to prorated repayment to the district.

The motion to approve the BloomBoard contract with the correction to the first bullet ("$8,222 per year") was made by board member Miss Pickens and adopted without recorded opposition. The board noted Bradford and Nassau school districts in the NEFEC region are also participating.

District staff said the contract includes three-year term options and potential discounts if more district participants enroll. The board will monitor participation and fiscal impact as the program begins.