School committee begins first read of online learning policy after members say 44 students were placed in Edgenuity without notice

The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee held a first reading of a proposed online learning policy on items including parental notice, limits on virtual instruction, and support for students not succeeding in online formats.

At the meeting Ms. Blackman, a school committee member, told colleagues "this past school year there have been 44 students who were placed into Edgenuity classes because the high school did not have a an elective class space for them. And those students were not asked if they wanted to be in the classes. Their parents were not notified." She said the policy is intended to stop repeat occurrences of that practice.

The draft policy would limit virtual classes to middle and high schools in "special circumstances" such as credit recovery, home-and-hospital tutoring, or when a course is not offered in-district. It would require documented parent or guardian authorization, consideration of students' social-emotional readiness, and availability of a designated in-person educator to provide support. The policy text discussed at the meeting states, "if a student is not succeeding in online format staff will work directly with the student and parents guardians to adjust instruction or reconsider placement in the student's best interest."

Committee members said the district plans to require parental notification and more explicit "guardrails" for online placements. Dr. Marcus, the superintendent, and Dr. Jones, who participated in earlier school-council discussions, framed the policy as a response to cases where students were assigned to online coursework due to scheduling or staffing gaps without clear parental consent. Dr. Jones emphasized that handbook and district processes touch on start/end times and scheduling, but that virtual-course placement requires administrative approval.

Supporters of the policy said it would protect students whose families have language or access barriers and ensure students are not automatically assigned to remote coursework as a default. They also said the policy leaves room for motivated students to pursue advanced or niche courses online when local staffing cannot support them, but with clearer notification and counselor review.

The policy is at first read. Committee members said it will undergo further review, legal review, and additional readings before any final vote. The meeting did not adopt the policy; it will return for later consideration after edits and counsel review.