Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves pilot virtual/alternative high‑school program to retain students
Summary
Trustees approved a pilot to open a small blended/virtual and alternative high‑school program for Midland Public Schools students, seeking to better serve credit‑deficient juniors and seniors and students choosing virtual options elsewhere.
The Midland Public Schools board voted April 20 to move forward with a pilot for a new school program that will combine a flexible blended/virtual learning pathway with an alternative program for credit‑deficient juniors and seniors.
Administrators said the pilot — proposed by district staff and attributed in the packet to Lucas Bellas — would enroll a small initial cohort (roughly 25 students) of current MPS students and operate in the district’s new Fast Ice facility. Year‑one expenses were estimated at about $505,000 with revenue offsets from student FTE; staff said the program would initially operate at a deficit but could scale toward fiscal balance as enrollment and course offerings grow.
The flexible learning strand would blend virtual, competency‑based coursework and some in‑person supports; the alternative strand would offer reduced‑credit pathways (about 18–18.5 credits) designed for juniors and seniors who are credit‑deficient. Administrators said admissions would require a joint assessment of student needs with counselors, parents and building staff.
Trustees moved and seconded the item (motion recorded as by Lauterbach with support by Ringgold) and approved the pilot after discussion about timing, quality controls and how success will be measured. Board members and staff said the curriculum study committee will monitor the pilot and return results after the first year, including student credit attainment, graduation pathways and family satisfaction measures.
Board members who expressed reservations said their concerns focused on timing, quality assurance for virtual instruction and public perception; supporters said the district must provide pathways to retain students already choosing virtual providers elsewhere.
The board approved the pilot by voice vote; specifics of curriculum, staffing assignments and state approvals will be developed and brought back to the board during the pilot’s implementation.
