Superintendent raises implementation concerns during first reading of state 'personalized learning' policy

The Scobey K-12 Schools board held a first reading of updated board policies and discussed Policy 1015, "personalized learning opportunities," with the superintendent flagging practical and labor implications for the district.

Superintendent (S3) said the policy’s intent—giving every student an individual learning plan "like an IEP"—is laudable, but warned that one standardized approach may not fit all classrooms and would add duties to staff. “I’ve always agreed that, you know, like, every kid should have an individual learning plan like an IEP,” S3 said, then cautioned that the policy could effectively become "another hat somebody's wearing" if implementation is not clarified.

S3 said some funding appears to be tied to the policy that could fund stipends, but that introducing stipends could require bargaining with the union. “There is some funding that's coming with this to pay for this stipend,” S3 said, adding that the district would need to ensure the union is aware and any stipend fits collective-bargaining agreements. Board members agreed to review the policy language and said they would seek more information before the next reading.

Superintendent S3 also noted that the Office of Public Instruction asked the Board of Public Education to delay re-accreditation for one year because of state testing changes, which may affect paperwork and timelines for local compliance. The board scheduled follow-up discussion and additional information gathering ahead of the next reading.

Context and next steps The discussion was a first reading; the board did not adopt the policy at this meeting. Members directed staff to gather more detail on how the policy would be implemented locally, what funding would accompany it, and potential bargaining or accreditation implications before the next board meeting.