Grand Rapids board approves online learning program, adopts new online-learning policy

The Grand Rapids Public School District school board voted to approve the creation of a district online learning program and directed the superintendent to make the necessary agreements and arrangements to implement it.

Superintendent Matt Gross told the board the district will take a "measured approach" and aim for district teachers to deliver online classes once training and enrollment make courses viable. "I've received feedback from a number of parents ... currently homeschool, and they're looking forward to having an option should we continue to move forward," Gross said.

Board members discussed performance indicators, which the superintendent said would include academic performance, attendance, engagement, and student and family perception. The motion to direct the superintendent to move ahead was made by Ashley Goodman and seconded by Dave Cowen; the board approved the motion by voice vote with Tom Gustafson recorded as opposed.

Separately, the board approved policy 6.24, the district's online-learning policy, in a separate vote. Administrators said the policy aligns with the Minnesota Online Learning Act (Minn. Stat. §124D.03) and with the Minnesota School Boards Association model policy; the policy sets standards for program operation, teacher licensure and student performance measurement.

Board member Dave Cowen said the program could expand enrollment and bring students back to district programs. Members discussed ensuring teachers receive training and that district staff will monitor performance indicators before scaling the program.

Motion to approve creation of online learning program: moved by Ashley Goodman; second by Dave Cowen; approved (voice vote) with Tom Gustafson opposed.

Motion to adopt policy 6.24 (online learning policy): moved by Dave Cowen; second by Ashley Goodman; policy adopted by voice vote.