Citing concerns about cost and staffing, Summerland board nixes plan for full-time MTSS coach

After more than 35 minutes of discussion, the Summerland Board of Education failed to approve hiring a full-time Multi-Tiered System of Supports/instructional coach for junior and senior high grade levels, for the 2025-2026 school year.

Ryan Ahlers, Nate Schwager and Jeremy Wagner voted in favor, while Chelsi McLain, Scott Thiele and Austin Twibell dissented. The vote took place at Monday's board meeting.

The motion, made by Ahlers, was dependent on finding a suitable replacement for the science department. If approved, Carrie Kucera would have transitioned into the MTSS role. Currently, she s...