Board approves K12 Learning Academy contract after discussion of open‑ended 'as‑ordered' costs

The Montgomery Public Schools board approved a one‑year contract with K12 Learning Academy but members cautioned about open‑ended fees tied to 'as‑ordered' services such as travel, training and proctoring.

Several board members said they supported the virtual‑learning expansion but were concerned that contract language allowing 'as‑ordered' charges for travel, housing and meals lacked clear limits. “I do get a little bit of heartburn when I look at the contract … especially when it comes down to travel and training sessions, when there are no guideposts as to how excessive those fees could get,” one board member said.

A district staff member responding to the concern explained how out‑of‑district testing or proctor needs could trigger costs: if a large population lived outside the district and could not test in‑house, the district might have to rent a local facility and pay a proctor. The staff example included an illustrative cost of renting a library for $250 and paying $150 for a proctor for the day; staff said the district plans to use its own staff as proctors when feasible and that any additional costs would be brought back to the board for approval.

Board members noted the contract is for a single year, which several said made them more comfortable with proceeding while they watch for budget impacts. The board voted unanimously to accept the superintendent’s recommendation on the contract.

The board also approved an update to the district’s virtual school policy during the same consent process; staff said the virtual school will become a separate cost center once enrollment reaches a defined threshold and that the district will provide additional explanatory materials when contracts are presented in the future.

What happens next: staff will upload contract materials and add explanatory notes about potential 'as‑ordered' costs when returning to the board for renewals or additional approvals.