ADAMS TWP — As the Mars Area School District considers implementing flexible instructional days, at least one resident shared concerns over how the days will affect special education students.

During a meeting of the Mars Area School Board on Tuesday, resident Julia Konitzky asked the board about an item on the agenda that would allow the district to submit an application to use flexible instructional days.

FIDs allow districts to continue instruction when class is canceled in the event of severe weather or other circumstances.

“I was wondering if the board members know what the plan is for special education students,” said Konitzky, who has two children with individualized education program plans. “Did you all review this plan?”

Board President Dayle Ferguson clarified that the resolution in question approves the district's pursuit of FIDs, not the educational plans in place for FIDs.

“I have not seen the plan,” Ferguson said.

“With the application, you have to submit your plan,” Konitzky said. “How could you vote on something you haven't seen?”

“I have every confidence that (the) administration will share the plan with us,” Ferguson responded.

Superintendent Wesley Shipley told Konitzky that the application hasn't been started due to the “arduous process.” He said after the board approved the resolution, specific educational plans would be made. They will be shared with the board before the application is submitted Sept. 1.

“(We'd) be putting the cart before the horse,” Shipley said.

Konitzky asked how the district's FID plan would be shared with parents.

“It's going to be a broader communication than only to the special education people,” Shipley said.

He added the entire district must be informed of the final plans and procedures.

“A lot of schools are still struggling with that (special education) portion of (FID applications),” Konitzky said.

Citing past issues with the Mars Area special education program, Konitzky told the board she wants the plan to be duly considered and the special education program thoroughly discussed.

“I just want to bring it back to the surface,” Konitzky said. “We're still here.”

Board Vice President Rebecca Brown clarified that the special education portion of the FID application could change and adapt year-to-year even after an application is submitted.

Shipley agreed this was accurate.

“It's creating the (foundation),” Shipley said.

“There's some work to do,” Ferguson added.

The board unanimously approved the district's submission of an FID application to the state Department of Education. The department has capped districts' use of FIDs to five days, with traditional makeup days being used first.

Applications are due Sept. 1. Shipley doesn't expect FID applications will be approved before November.