The East Williston school board voted Wednesday to apply for an extension of the state’s deadline for the district to develop a new teacher evaluation plan based on the Common Core standards.
The board submitted a Annual Professional Performance Review Hardship Waiver under the advisement of the district’s attorney.
“If we haven’t gotten this first waiver approved, there was potential that we wouldn’t be able to get any increases in state aid,” district Superintendent Elaine Kanas said.
The submission of this waiver, which has already been approved by the New York State Education Department, extends the deadline for a new evaluation plan from Nov.15, 2015 to March 15, 2016.
Any additional extensions would require additional waivers to be submitted.
The Herricks school board also approved a waiver application in October.
In other business, the board discussed its goals and the potential reorganization of board committees.
Discussion included updating the board’s goals to reflect the new school year and the conclusion of the district’s current five-year plan.
Board members said heir new goals would focus on professional development under the state requirements, current staff needs, advancing academic offerings, continuation of existing policies and updating the district’s facilities.
Committee discussion surrounded cleaning up language about existing board committees including the Strategic Planning Committee, the Education Advisory Committee and the Financial Advisory Committee.
New board goals and committees will be officially presented at the next school board meeting on Monday, Dec. 14.
