Question: If I am the president of a private school or system of private schools, can I use Title II-A federal funds to attend professional development?
Answer: It depends, based on your job responsibilities. Generally, Title II-A can only be used for professional development for teachers and staff who are involved on a daily basis with instruction or in an instructional capacity and/or deeply involved in curriculum development or planning. An example of a “central office” staffer who could use Title II for PD is a curriculum director or director of pupil services and instruction.
However, a president at a private school could double as a curriculum director or be heavily involved in those decisions. Therefore, districts should ask follow-up questions about your role and job responsibilities before denying a request to attend PD covered by Title II.
If your role involves instruction and/or heavy involvement in curriculum and student instructional decisions, it is essential that you share this with your district and explain how the PD you want to attend will help you accomplish these responsibilities.
If your role as president does not involve near-daily involvement in student instructional or curriculum decisions, then unfortunately Title II does not support PD for that level of staff.
