Board hears mixed views on replacing Apex with video-first —Subject— pilot for credit recovery

Newark, Calif. District staff presented a proposed pilot to replace the existing Apex online credit-recovery platform with a video-first platform called Subject, arguing the newer product could improve engagement and accessibility for English learners and provide integrated academic-integrity tools. The initiative would start with a one-year pilot of 200 licenses and include teacher-of-record services and live homework help, staff said. The district packaged the request as part of LCAP/credit-recovery planning and recommended a measured rollout to reduce risk. Public commenters and several trustees pushed for a narrower pilot and greater teacher oversight. "Don't do the AI, don't do online — go to teachers," one public speaker said, arguing that student learning cannot be outsourced to one-way online modules. Board members asked for a Bridgepoint pilot, closer teacher involvement, clearer outcome metrics (mastery definitions), and contingency plans for rising seniors needing credits this coming year. Finance and operations questions were also raised: a 200-license quote prompted trustees to ask whether that covered 200 students or 200 course seats and how many of the district's credit-deficit students would need in-person options to graduate on time. Superintendent and staff said Subject integrates with Synergy/Clever, offers multilingual course access and uses AI checks for academic integrity; staff recommended a teacher-led limited pilot and stronger intervention planning for students who are credit deficient now. No binding contract was approved at the meeting. Board members asked staff to bring a smaller pilot plan, concrete success measures and an implementation timeline and to account for students in imminent need of graduation credits.