Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Flexible Instructional Days topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
South Middleton board to study "flexible instructional days" after split among members
Summary
The board directed administration to review prior Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs) applications, assemble stakeholder committees, survey families and return recommendations in February–March; members voiced divided views over equity, childcare and logistical burdens.
The South Middleton School District board discussed Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs) at length Dec. 2 and stopped short of approving an application, instead asking administration to gather more information and return with recommendations.
Administration outlined the PDE requirements for FIDs: they are intended for emergency situations (for example, weather or power-loss events), an approved district may use up to five FIDs per year, and PDE approval lasts three years. Officials said the application requires demonstrating equitable access to learning (including accommodations for students with IEPs), attendance processes, and examples of the curricular work for English, math, social studies and science grade bands.
Board members raised practical concerns about access to internet and devices, childcare for working parents, attendance implications if students lack connectivity, and whether remote learning can match in-school instruction for younger grades. One board member summarized: "There are way more cons than pros," citing challenges for families and staff. Student representatives and other members said impact varies by grade and course level: some high-school courses may translate well to remote work while others would not.
Administrators suggested mitigation options including pre-distributing devices and hotspots, providing a paper-and-pencil alternative, front-loading printed materials and creating a window for work submission rather than requiring same-day completion. Administration proposed forming multiple committees of teachers, administrators and families to draft the application and run trial runs if the board directs them to proceed.
Rather than seek immediate board approval, the chair said there was not a clear consensus to submit an application now and asked administration to review prior applications, convene stakeholders and return with a draft plan and community feedback by February–March. "We'll review the old application process, start pulling together a group of folks to have conversations around how and what it would look like," an administrator said.
The board did not vote to pursue or to abandon an application; members directed staff to return with more detailed recommendations and community input before any final action.
