District outlines MTSS expansion, tutoring and mental‑health steps for middle and high schools

Laurie Gregory and Bill McDonough presented the district’s multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) for middle and high school, describing work to strengthen Tier‑1 instruction, expand integrated co‑teaching, and add coordinated Tier‑2 interventions.

Gregory said she organized a regional group to share secondary MTSS practices and noted MTSS “is about supporting the whole child and all different parts of the child, like, academics, social, emotional well‑being.” Bill McDonough outlined instructional supports such as AIS small‑group interventions for grades 6–8 and detailed an AEP enhancement program and a learning lab offered across periods to provide additional student help.

The presenters also highlighted technology supports and partnerships. Gregory described a no‑cost tutoring service, Varsity Tutors, that “our students just started using this year” and said more than 20 students had signed up. She said the district is exploring whether students can use Varsity Tutors, IXL or similar platforms inside AEP or learning lab time to deliver targeted, one‑on‑one assistance.

On mental health, Gregory described moving the Same Here initiative into implementation, including counselor collaboration, building walks by a Same Here clinician, SEL surveys, and regular student check‑ins. Board members asked about whether co‑teaching would become mandatory; presenters said state requirements were unclear but reported local staff buy‑in and positive classroom experiences with team teaching.

The board received the update for planning and further discussion; no policy vote occurred at the meeting.