Broward Virtual seeks $5.6 million to expand capacity and recapture FTE from state provider

Broward Virtual School leaders told the board on Feb. 17 they have capacity constraints that force students to choose Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and claim a local expansion could both meet student demand and improve district finances.

Principal Chris McGuire said the school has a waiting list and that, over a recent three‑year trend, roughly 3,200 FTE that could be served locally went to Florida Virtual School — a loss he estimated at tens of millions of dollars in state funding that flows with students. He asked the board to approve an initial investment of about $5.6 million to add staffing, student support and licensing to capture a substantial share of that FTE.

McGuire told the board that estimated program economics could yield a multi‑million‑dollar contribution to the general fund after operating costs and vendor licensing, while keeping Broward‑based teachers serving Broward students. Board members responded positively and asked staff to return with a consensus authorization and implementation timeline and to evaluate local capacity and projected returns.

Next steps: staff will prepare an implementation plan and financial analysis to present for board approval, including a projection of expected FTE capture and net operating revenue.