CCISD board authorizes negotiation of MOU with Texas Tech K‑12 to launch ClearTech virtual program

Clear Creek Independent School District trustees voted 6‑0 March 2 to authorize the superintendent to negotiate and execute a memorandum of understanding with Texas Tech K‑12 to create 'ClearTech,' a new virtual learning pathway the district plans to open for the 2026–27 school year.

Kelly Lang, CCISD director of learning technology, told the board the partnership pairs Texas Tech K‑12’s asynchronous, state‑aligned coursework with in‑person supports at district partner campuses. "By combining Clear Creek ISD's student‑centered vision with Texas Tech's K‑12 proven virtual academic excellence, we are offering a learning experience meeting students where they are today," Lang said.

Why it matters: district leaders said ClearTech is designed to retain students who have left for homeschool, private, or charter programs and to provide flexible options for students involved in athletics, performing arts, or other activities that require daytime flexibility. Lang said the first year will enroll students in grades 3–9 through CCISD (K–2 will be directed to Texas Tech K‑12 supports), with high school grades phased in annually after an initial cohort year.

Program details provided to the board included informational sessions (virtual March 19 and March 24; in‑person April 2), an application interest form that will open online, and an application window that administration said will close on May 15. Lang said partner campuses will provide a "connected home base" for virtual students — offering library time, maker‑space activities, RTI/tutorial windows, clubs and select in‑person enrichment while Texas Tech K‑12 provides core online instruction and certified teachers.

Texas Tech K‑12 superintendent Robert Bayard described Texas Tech’s capacity and said the partner will run marketing across several Texas markets but will funnel in‑boundary applicants to Clear Creek ISD. "We are honored and excited by the possibility of partnering with Clear Creek ISD to expand access to high quality learning opportunities for students," Bayard said.

Trustees pressed administrators on extracurriculars, UIL participation, GPA/class‑rank implications and operational staffing. Administration said UIL participation is expected to be permitted but guidance is still pending; district staff said they are working with UIL and will share guidance once available. On GPA and class‑rank, administrators said proposals must go to the district’s policy committee and final decisions will follow policy review; preliminary discussions included options for how ClearTech students would be ranked relative to brick‑and‑mortar cohorts.

Operations and staffing: Lang said Texas Tech recommended a minimal on‑site staff (a counselor and a data/registrar specialist) to support enrollment, attendance, progress monitoring and case management, with a rough guidance of about one counselor per 300 students; final staffing will depend on actual enrollment. Lang also said CCISD will work to provide devices and local technical support for students who enroll and live in district boundaries.

Board members framed the program as a retention and enrollment strategy tied to state policy changes (administration referenced recently enacted Senate Bill 569/Chapter 30B). Lang emphasized the program is intended to keep students connected to CCISD resources and activities even while enrolled in an asynchronous online model.

Next steps: Board action at the meeting authorized negotiation and execution of an MOU; administration said it will return to the board for any required policy changes (including GPA/class‑rank decisions) and for final approvals on operational staffing and program implementation.

The board also announced ClearTech information at cleartech.ccisd.net and invited families to the scheduled informational meetings.