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Hammond board approves early‑release Wednesdays to expand teacher professional development
Summary
The School City of Hammond board passed Resolution 2425006 on March 18, 2025, authorizing the district to apply for an IDOE flexibility waiver to implement weekly early‑release Wednesdays in the 2025–26 school year to support districtwide professional development and a teacher‑leader academy.
The School City of Hammond Board of Trustees voted on March 18 to approve Resolution 2425006, authorizing the district to apply for a state flexibility waiver that would establish weekly early‑release Wednesdays beginning in the 2025–26 school year to provide consistent professional development time for staff.
Executive Director of Human Capital Mr. Verda told the board the early‑release days are intended to “provide an opportunity for all staff to grow professionally through intentional and consistent professional development,” and described a planned professional development calendar running August 2025–May 2026. The resolution, read into the record by Trustee Guerra, states the district seeks to adjust the school day on Wednesdays and requests a waiver from IC 20‑30‑2‑2.
Board members asked for clarifications about scheduling and transportation. Trustee Spencer said the resolution lists noon dismissals for all grade levels but noted the district may need latitude to adjust times “based on … transportation.” Mr. Verda responded the resolution is the first step to meet the waiver application deadline and that the application can be adjusted later with public notice.
Superintendent Reid described a related plan to form a Teacher Leader League: 25 teacher leaders and instructional coaches will receive initial training and then support teacher training across the district. Reid said the district plans a mix of district‑directed, building‑directed and vertically aligned PD sessions on different Wednesdays to build internal capacity and reduce long‑term outside training costs.
The resolution was moved by Trustee Spencer and seconded; the board approved it by voice vote and the chair declared the motion carried. The resolution language specifies the early‑release schedule will be initiated in the 2025–26 school year and that parents and community stakeholders will receive advance notice of any changes.
Next steps noted by board members include filing the waiver application with IDOE, developing and publishing the PD calendar, and further work on transportation logistics for staggered dismissal times.
