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Board approves updated online curriculum for Ashland Connect, plans native-teacher model and Canvas integration
Summary
The board approved a new online-curriculum plan for Ashland Connect using FlexPoint for K–5 and Edgenuity for grades 6–8, with district teachers as the teachers of record and Canvas as the learning-management hub; staff said the plan reduces current vendor costs and aims to improve accessibility and alignment with district materials.
The Ashland School Board approved a recommendation to adopt a revised online curriculum and delivery model for Ashland Connect, the district’s virtual‑learning program.
District staff presented a plan using FlexPoint for K–5 English and science, district‑adopted materials for elementary math and social studies, and Edgenuity for grades 6–8, with the district providing the teacher of record and hosting content in Canvas to create a single family‑facing entry point. The board voted to approve the recommendation.
Presenter Francisco Atanas, acting principal for Fastlane Connect, described the adoption process: the selection team scored vendors using a rubric, chose FlexPoint for elementary because it integrated with Canvas and scored highly on the rubric, and recommended maintaining Edgenuity in middle grades for continuity and interactivity. Atanas credited lead teacher Amanda Grover and instructional coach Caitlin Olson with substantial work on the review and implementation design; both were referenced in the presentation.
Staff presented estimated costs: an initial FlexPoint contract of about $5,000 to cover fewer than 25 elementary seats, with additional licenses priced at roughly $200 per student per year if the program grows; Edgenuity was presented as reducing to about $612 maximum per student per semester under the new model, lower than the district’s prior reported spending. Presenters said the district will use district‑adopted social studies and Illustrative Mathematics materials where appropriate and will adapt Edgenuity content so the teacher of record (Amanda) can align the virtual coursework to local standards and representation needs.
Atanas and staff emphasized accessibility and sustainability: one current teacher supports multiple grades and subjects, so the selection prioritized usability for that teacher and supports for families. Staff said the model will allow flexible semester enrollments and licenses and will permit the district to change vendors if the product does not serve students.
Board members and staff discussed enrollment strategy and ADM (average daily membership) implications; staff said the district records attendance and that students who shift between in‑person and virtual programs continue to generate ADM when present. Trustees asked staff to develop a more proactive enrollment outreach plan to market the program to Ashland families and nearby households, and staff agreed to work on communications and strategic planning for the program’s expansion.
After discussion, a board member moved and the board approved the recommendation to implement the proposed online‑curriculum model and Canvas integration.
