Board approves two-year, grant-funded MTSS coordinator after extended debate

The Faribault Public Schools board approved a two-year, grant-funded Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) teacher-on-special-assignment position intended to develop district systems for instruction, assessment and data-driven interventions.

"What this position will do is look at systems," Julie Hall, director of teaching and learning, told the board. Hall described year one as a district-level focus for aligning practice and professional development and year two as pushing the system into individual buildings. She said the grant allows up to $250,000 to fund the position and related work and that the district estimated the pay range could be roughly $45,000 to $95,000 depending on placement on the salary schedule.

Directors asked whether the role would continue after the grant ends and whether existing staff could perform the duties. "No — it won't be," one director said, and Hall confirmed the posting is for two years and the position would end when grant funds are exhausted unless another grant is obtained. Director Linda Moore said she opposed creating another administrative position without clear evidence of student-achievement gains and expressed concern about adding a "six-figure" salary to district staffing. Administration responded that the role is intended as a full-time implementation position to ensure sustained, research-backed interventions districtwide.

The board voted to approve the Minnesota MTSS position; administrators said the role will be posted if the board's motion stands and they will aim to onboard the hire in time for scheduled training in September.