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Connect Academy principal tells trustees live synchronous model builds student connections
Summary
Missoula Connect Academy principal Nick Latch told the school board the charter’s strength is daily live synchronous instruction that fosters teacher and peer connections; trustees asked about enrollment, hybrid options and supports for low-income students.
Nick Latch, principal of Connect Academy, told the Missoula County Public Schools board the online charter’s teaching model centers on live, synchronous classes rather than solitary, asynchronous work. “Connect Academy is really about building connections and making connections and learning together,” Latch said during a 20‑minute presentation to trustees.
Micah, introduced earlier by the board as superintendent, opened the item and introduced Latch and Christine Kolac, who the district identified as a Connect Academy counselor. Latch described daily live instruction in English, math, social studies and science with features such as breakout rooms, chats and small‑group check‑ins. He said students who visited campus for graduation wanted a formal in‑person ceremony; 18 seniors graduated this year and about half of those who attended planned to continue to college.
Counselor Christine Kolac said the program grew out of the district’s online response to COVID and later became a fully funded charter; she told trustees the school served 109 students this year and that the district approved the charter last year. Kolac described the academy’s intake process—families apply and meet with staff to assess fit—and said the school leverages partnerships, including University of Montana online course access for college‑bound students.
Trustees asked operational questions. Trustee Witcher asked whether students could split semesters between online and in‑person; Latch said many students already do part‑time and hybrid arrangements. Trustee McShane asked what “increased family engagement” would look like; Latch and Kolac said they aim to start a parent‑teacher organization and increase in‑person contact points. When asked how many seniors planned to attend college, Latch said 18 graduated and about half of the seven who attended the ceremony were heading to college.
On access, trustees raised barriers for low‑income families. Latch said the school provides Chromebooks and can supply hotspots for families in need. On capacity, Latch and Kolac said the program’s “sweet spot” is about 125 students and that they aim to expand carefully; they also said some growth to serve students beyond the immediate area would require state law changes.
The presentation closed with trustees thanking staff for their work and expressing support for the program. No vote was required; the board moved on to public comment.
The meeting placed this presentation in the public meeting record; trustees said the district will continue to monitor capacity, family engagement and college partnerships as Connect Academy evolves.
