In Service Days-Mandated & Discretionary with Substitute Teachers

By Ken Mettler

Analysis of Current Policy:State Buyout Issue Forthcoming

<2> In Service SBCP- No School (School Based Coordinated Program) (State allows 8)
178 In Class
<2> Fog Days (if used) In Service SBCP-No School
176 In Class
<2.5> In Service Discretionary- School/Substitute Teacher (Current District Average)
173.5 In Class/assigned teacher

In Service SBCP- No School The current practice is that the Board approved the number of days in June as 2 days plus 2 fog days, if used. The current practice has evolved from the general policy BP 4131(a) encouraging In Service, but no specific formal policy is in place.

In Service Discretionary- School/Substitute Teacher The current practice is that the Principal of each school uses discretion in the use of this type of In Service. The In Service days per school per teacher average from a range of 1.9 to 3. The District average is 2.5. The current practice has evolved from the general policy BP 4131(a) encouraging In Service, but no specific formal policy is in place. However, the Board did adopt a new policy, whereby, the Board will be provided an audit of the number of days taken per school and district wide each June.

Proposal: The Board adopt a formal policy regarding In Service SBCP- No School and In Service Discretionary- School /Substitute Teacher. This policy will provide the Superintendent with a definitive Board approved guideline, while maintaining flexibility in its administration. It will balance the need for the teacher in the classroom with the need for teacher enrichment/training. Further, the policy can always be amended by the Board if circumstances dictate.

The policy resolution that I propose is as follows:

"RESOLVED, that BP 4131(a) be revised to include that In Service SBCP- No School annually shall be 2 days plus 2 fog days (if used), and that In Service Discretionary- School/ Substitute Teacher annually shall be a District wide average not to exceed 2.5 days per teacher."

The State budget 98-99 has allocated "buy-out" funds for staff development days. A maximum of three days may be funded at $270/teacher. This issue is to be formalized by the board. The goal is to insure that the students get 180 days of instruction with their teacher.

Respectfully Submitted

Ken Mettler