Raleigh County Schools opens 30-day comment on plan to expand virtual program to K–5

The Raleigh County Schools Board of Education voted to place revisions to policy E.1.18—proposing an elementary virtual school for kindergarten through fifth grade—on a 30‑day public comment period.

Superintendent Dr. Starcher said the primary goal of the change is to "keep as many students as we can" by expanding the district's virtual offerings, noting the system is already losing students to charter and virtual programs. The administration outlined an initial approach that would combine approximately three hours per school day of instruction through the Proximity platform with layered small‑group teacher support and required diagnostic assessments and state testing (GSA) for accountability.

Board discussion focused on whether virtual delivery is appropriate for young children. One board member questioned the quality and practicality for kindergarten and first grade and said, "I don't think it's a good idea," prompting an explanation from the administration that the expansion is intended to start with platform‑based instruction and add full-time elementary virtual teachers later if enrollment justifies it. Dr. Starcher said the district may return to the board to request hiring dedicated elementary virtual teachers should enrollment increase.

The board voted to publish the policy changes for public comment; the vote does not adopt the policy but opens a 30‑day period for community feedback. The administration emphasized it will require diagnostics, GSA testing where applicable, and additional supports for special needs students in the virtual environment.

Next steps: the policy will be available for public review and comment during the 30‑day period, after which the board may take up revisions or a final vote.