Council Bluffs board approves steps to launch district-run K–12 online school with Edmentum content

The Council Bluffs Community School District board voted to approve assurances for a proposed district-operated K–12 online school and selected Edmentum’s EdOptions Academy as the content provider, district staff said at the July meeting.

District administrators told the board they intend to submit an application to the Iowa Department of Education for a state‑approved full-time online school that would serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade and carry a separate school code. Dr. Matthews (presenter) said the district’s goal is to retain students who are currently open-enrolling to other online providers and to attract new families through open enrollment in.

The proposal calls for the district to partner with Edmentum’s EdOptions Academy, a nationally distributed online content provider the presentation described as state‑approved and fully accredited. Under the contract model presented, Edmentum teachers — described by staff as Iowa‑certified and trained in online instruction — would deliver curriculum and provide direct feedback, while district staff would provide enrollment, monitoring, individualized education plan (IEP)/504 support and family engagement services.

Administrators outlined program features including: a catalog of more than 400 courses (core, electives, CTE and AP options), synchronous and asynchronous learning windows (Edmentum hours listed as Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.), built‑in scaffolds (on‑screen translation in 75 languages, audio translation in 20+ languages, guided notes) and dashboards to monitor student progress. Students would be required to complete orientation modules, meet compulsory attendance and state testing requirements (presentation listed the ISASP assessment and required K–6 universal screeners), and would graduate from the district’s online school if course requirements were satisfied.

Board members asked whether online students could access extracurricular activities and whether the district would provide equipment. District staff said online students would be able to participate in district activities and the district would provide a Chromebook to each participating student. Administrators also said district staff would support IEP and 504 plan implementation and offer in‑person support as needed through a dedicated administrator and local help desk resources.

The board approved two formal items related to the plan: assurances for the CB K–12 online school application and the selection of Edmentum as the online content provider. Board members noted the district would not finalize any contract with Edmentum until the Department of Education approves the district’s application.

District staff said the initial Edmentum quote covered 25 seats and that unused seats would roll to the next year. Staff stipulated that the district would proceed with contract execution only after state approval and would next work on a family handbook, enrollment/onboarding procedures and outreach if approved.

The district presentation framed the online school as a way to expand options for families and recapture students who currently open-enroll to other online providers. The board approved the related motions by roll call.