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Parents, students urge Rock Hill board to reverse decision to close Virtual Academy; board asks staff for rapid cost and program review

2216988 · January 14, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Parents and students urged the Rock Hill Schools Board of Trustees on Jan. 14 to reverse or delay the district's decision to close the Rock Hill Virtual Academy, saying the program has been a "lifeline" for many students with disabilities and those who have otherwise struggled in traditional classrooms.

Parents and students urged the Rock Hill Schools Board of Trustees on Jan. 14 to reverse or delay the district's decision to close the Rock Hill Virtual Academy, saying the program has been a "lifeline" for many students with disabilities and those who have otherwise struggled in traditional classrooms.

Student William Mueller told the board he has autism and has attended the Virtual Academy since sixth grade. "The virtual academy has definitely changed my life," Mueller said. "I'm able to focus on my sport and not get anxious. I don't have to worry about getting bullied ... I have time to learn skills that will help me be independent." His mother, Danny Brown, said the program produced academic improvement in multiple children in her family.

The parents said they were surprised and upset by what they described as a sudden decision announced by district staff in December. Parent Dani Brown told the board the virtual program serves a high share of students with…

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