Ontario SD 8C outlines EdFlex virtual-school plan; Sept. 22 start targeted for district program

Ontario School District 8C staff on Tuesday laid out plans for a new virtual learning option that would be offered in two formats: EdFlex Ontario, a district-level program for students who remain enrolled as Ontario Tigers, and EdFlex Oregon, a separate school with its own state ID that would allow the district to enroll students from elsewhere in Oregon.

District staff described the EdFlex model, target start dates and costs.

The district presentation, led by Jody (district staff member), said EdFlex Ontario is already accepting enrollments and would follow the district calendar; district staff are aiming for a Sept. 22 start for students who enroll in that program. EdFlex Oregon requires an application to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and would carry a separate school ID and testing/attendance reporting distinct from students’ home brick-and-mortar schools.

Why it matters

Superintendent and other administrators told the board the virtual options are intended both to retain local families who might otherwise enroll elsewhere and to expand course access (dual-credit and hard-to-staff subjects) for Ontario students. Staff said the approach is intended to allow brick-and-mortar students to take single virtual classes, protect students’ eligibility for athletics and…