Board votes not to open districtwide virtual school at start of 2021–22

The Monroe County Board of Education voted to not open a districtwide virtual school at the start of the 2021–22 school year, following a staff recommendation and discussion comparing neighboring districts’ approaches.

District staff reviewed virtual options and told the board that many surrounding systems were not offering a virtual choice in the fall. "At this time we are prepared to just come back to school and bring our students back without a virtual option," District staff said, and recommended in-person instruction for younger grades while noting a virtual program could be set up later if needed.

Board action: District staff made the motion and a second was recorded; the board voted 'aye' and the motion carried by voice vote. Board members said the decision did not permanently foreclose a virtual program — staff reported they have started the application work so the district could pursue approval and open a virtual school later in the year if enrollment patterns required it.

Context: Staff noted that establishing a virtual school would require creating a standalone program or reactivating a previously used school slot and that a virtual offering would need close regulation to ensure fidelity and course offerings comparable to in-person options. Several board members expressed a preference for returning students to classrooms and avoiding the disruptions teachers and families experienced during the pandemic.

Next steps: The board left the option open to present a virtual-school application in the fall if circumstances change and asked staff to proceed with documentation now so the district can act quickly if needed.