Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Virtual Learning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BRYAN ISD explores virtual/hybrid academy under new state law; staff weigh eligibility, providers and costs
Summary
Under SB 569, BRYAN ISD staff presented options to offer virtual and hybrid courses embedded in district schools (limited to less than 50% enrollment without TEA authorizations). A community survey (~700 responses) showed interest; staff estimated a turnkey provider cost around $3,000 per full‑time student as a rough figure and emphasized phased, embedded launches.
Associate Superintendent Dr. Barbara Bar presented the district’s ongoing exploration of flexible learning options following recent state legislation (SB 569). Bar said the law allows districts to operate virtual and hybrid programs internally (without TEA authorization) so long as the virtual program enrolls fewer than 50% of the district’s students; standalone virtual schools with their own TEA ID would still require TEA authorization.
Staff reported a short community survey with about 700 responses (predominantly high‑school students) indicating interest in a flexible option. The district is exploring a turnkey provider model that supplies Texas‑certified teachers, curriculum and a learning management system so the district can pilot the program without placing the full operational burden on current staff. Bar gave a rough cost estimate — about $3,000 per full‑time student annually — and said staff will compare that to the state basic allotment and ADA assumptions prior to recommending a contract.
Eligibility and student profile: staff described a likely initial focus on grades 9–12 and on academically stable students who can learn independently, with case‑by‑case considerations for students who require special services. The district discussed hybrid arrangements where students remain attached to their zoned campus for UIL and CTE participation; staff said students enrolled in a virtual program would generally participate in extracurriculars at the campus where they are zoned.
Implementation notes: TEA rule‑making on attendance accounting and other details is still in progress, staff said. Next steps include stakeholder focus groups (including families not currently enrolled with the district), provider demonstrations, draft operating procedures and a possible pilot/marketing plan if the board chooses to pursue the option for a future school year.
