Fayette County School Corporation is providing public notice of its intent to apply to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) for Ed-Flex Waiver #2: Increased Flexibility in Paraprofessional Requirements for the 2026–2027 school year. The Educational Flexibility (Ed-Flex) Program allows the U.S. Department of Education to authorize states to waive certain federal education requirements that may impede local efforts to improve student achievement. Indiana has been granted authority to offer this waiver to eligible local educational agencies.

Purpose of the Waiver

Fayette County School Corporation is requesting this waiver to provide additional flexibility in qualifying instructional paraprofessionals assigned to Title I schools. The waiver expands the methods by which newly hired paraprofessionals may demonstrate qualification while maintaining the district's commitment to employing competent, well-trained instructional staff.

Under the waiver, instructional paraprofessionals must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet one of the qualification options approved by the Indiana Department of Education. Fayette County will require paraprofessionals to comple required professional development provided by the district.

Anticipated Benefits to Students

Approval of this waiver will strengthen Fayette County School Corporation's ability to recruit and retain qualified instructional paraprofessionals in a competitive employment market, reducing vacancies and ensuring students receive consistent instructional support. Increased staffing flexibility will improve the district's ability to provide timely interventions, small-group instruction, classroom assistance, and individualized support for students participating in Title I programs. By reducing staffing shortages and maintaining effective instructional support, the district anticipates improved continuity of instruction and increased opportunities for student academic success.

Opportunity for Public Review and Comment

According to 20 U.S.C. § 5891b(a)(7), any LEA seeking an Ed-Flex waiver shall provide the opportunity for parents, educators, and all other interested community stakeholders to comment on the waiver. If you would like to share your comments about the Title I Ed Flex waiver, please email the school grants coordinator, Tricia Fields at: tfields@fayette.k12.in.us . All comments that the school corporation receives will be submitted with the application to the Indiana Department of Education, and comments will be available for public review by emailing Tricia Fields at the email listed above.