Board approves optional flexible school day program for South San Antonio High School

A district staff presenter asked the board to approve the Optional Flexible School Day (OpFlex) application for South San Antonio High School for the 2025–26 school year. The board approved the application by roll call.

The program is an online credit‑recovery option intended to keep at‑risk students on track for graduation by offering flexible scheduling for students who are behind in credits, have attendance challenges or need non‑traditional hours (for example, teen parents). The presenter said the program has been offered since 2019–20 and provided three‑year outcomes: 2022–23 — 51 of 74 students graduated while enrolled (70%); 2023–24 — 53 of 85 (62%); 2024–25 — 96 of 131 (73%).

For 2025–26 staff said they will tighten accountability steps: students must pre‑select specific days and times to attend and must pass at least three of the five STAAR‑aligned graduation requirement assessments. Presenters said the district will require a minimum of 10 hours per week in program participation and will set morning/afternoon cohorts to better track attendance.

Why it matters: the board framed the program as a second‑chance pathway to increase graduation rates for students who struggle in a traditional schedule. The presenter said the primary cause for non‑completion by past enrollees was nonattendance and incomplete online work.

Vote: The clerk recorded the following roll‑call votes: Raymond de Jirina — Yes; Carla Gomez Sanchez — Yes; Daryl Balderrama — Yes; Aurelina Prado — Yes; Jesus Rendon III — Yes; Adrian Guerra — Yes; Dr. Kelly Murguia — Yes. The motion carried.

Ending: Staff said they will monitor attendance and outcomes more closely and report progress to the board.