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Cadott staff outline cautious plan for online/charter options including a 'Flex' or school-forest model
Summary
District Director of Learning described plans for a blended/online charter (Flex Academy) and options to offer district-run online classes, stressing monitoring, limited initial enrollment and staff oversight to avoid credit loss for students.
District staff told the board they are exploring structured, cautious options to expand online learning, including a charter-style ‘Flex Academy’ and blended learning that could use the school forest for in-person sessions.
Director of Learning Mr. Ludy described a model in which the district would operate an online or charter option that remains under district oversight — students would still be enrolled in the district, and staff would monitor participation and provide office hours. “Our goal isn’t to have more of our own kids in the online charter,” Ludy said, adding that the program could initially provide a few classes and expand if enrollment warrants.
Staff emphasized safeguards: teachers could offer online versions of classes and receive stipends; the district would monitor engagement and require in-person attendance for students who fail to participate. The board discussed implementation timelines and appointment of a governing board if the district pursued a charter model; staff estimated a one-year development horizon and said more information would be returned to the board by May/June.
Administration flagged concerns about students who are not successful in heavily online models and recommended a careful, phased rollout with attention to student supports and monitoring. The board asked staff to return with proposed governance structure, enrollment limits and accountability measures before any formal charter or program launch.
