Board considers alternative diploma paths and a virtual academy to stem open enrollment losses
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Superintendent proposed two new graduation pathways — an alternative education program and a Virtual Academy using an accredited provider (e.g., E20/20) — plus a new 'core' diploma option and an honors diploma. The board asked for final handbooks and projected enrollment breakdowns ahead of a December/January decision window.
The Clear Creek Amana board reviewed proposals to create two new pathways to a CCA diploma — an alternative education (Alt Ed) program and a Virtual Academy — and to add diploma options (honors, standard and a proposed 'core' diploma) aimed at serving students who struggle in a traditional setting and reducing open enrollment outflows.
Superintendent Mr. Davidson said administration contacted families who had opened enrolled out over the last several years to learn why and to design options that might keep more students in district programs. He described two separate offerings: an Alt Ed program that mixes in‑person supports and E20/20 coursework using existing district spaces (including West Campus) and a Virtual Academy that would be a 100% virtual pathway operated with an accredited provider. Mr. Davidson stressed year‑one plans would avoid adding new full‑time equivalent staff by restructuring existing personnel and would rely on accredited coursework and scheduled in‑district testing for virtual students.
Board members asked for enrollment estimates, program handbooks, and clear rules that prevent flip‑flopping between pathways mid‑year. One trustee noted the district loses roughly $8,000 in general funding per open‑enrolled‑out student and urged the board to consider the financial as well as instructional impact of recapturing students. Trustees also discussed credentialing and oversight; the district indicated it has already engaged the Department of Education and that any virtual provider would need to be accredited.
The district intends to prepare finalized handbooks and diploma requirement proposals for board review in December and seek board approval in January to allow time for outreach before the March 1 open‑enrollment deadline.
Outcome: No formal votes on these program proposals at the November meeting. Administration will prepare handbooks, projected enrollment estimates and policy updates for the December work session and a possible January decision.