Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Virtual Learning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Denton ISD outlines 'Denton Digital' virtual program; board hears design, legal limits
Summary
District staff presented 'Denton Digital,' a multi-track virtual program under Senate Bill 569 that would include K–5 and 6–12 options, bilingual and special-education accommodations, and rules about enrollment periods and attendance; staff plans an application process and focus groups before rollout.
Denton Independent School District staff on Feb. 10 presented a district-run virtual program called "Denton Digital" and described program design, state requirements and next steps as trustees asked questions about access, accommodations and demand.
Presenters emphasized the distinction between a virtual campus and a virtual program under Senate Bill 569. "A virtual campus has greater than 50% of the students on that campus enrolled in a virtual program," a presenter said; the district said it intends to offer virtual programs (under 50% for any campus) rather than operate a virtual campus because the latter carries stricter requirements. The proposal frames four offerings: K–5 digital, 6–12 digital, credit-recovery courses and original-credit virtual courses.
Staff described the elementary model as anchored administratively at Stevens Elementary for enrollment while allowing bilingual and special-services supports when appropriate, with students committing in nine-week or semester blocks and daily attendance taken for participation credit. For grades 6–12, staff said students would remain tied to their home campus, could attend one or two courses in person as needed (for example, AP art or band), and could access dual-credit options during the school day.
Trustees and staff discussed implementation details: a March family-interest survey, an application hoped to open around April 1 when regular registration opens, focus groups with campus administrators, and marketing/communications to explain program rules and enrollment windows. Staff also said transfer students would be eligible and that implementation teams are setting operational guidance for attendance, IEP accommodations and state reporting.
Board reaction was supportive of creating a local virtual option to keep students and funding within Denton ISD, while trustees pressed staff to ensure program logistics (scheduling, dual credit and state compliance) are clear before launch.
What happens next: Staff will continue planning, run family-interest surveys in March, assemble focus groups and prepare an application and operational plan for board review and necessary public communications.
