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Board hears first read of redesigned virtual academy using subject.com; district projects savings and flexibility
Summary
District staff presented a first read to redesign the high school virtual academy as a fully asynchronous program using subject.com, proposing an unlimited license at $2,300 per student and one full‑time mentor for IEP caseloads; administration projects cost savings versus current staffing and hopes to retain students who otherwise leave for more flexible programs.
Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools staff presented a first read Wednesday to redesign the district’s high school virtual academy, proposing to move from the pandemic‑era synchronous model to a fully asynchronous platform delivered by subject.com.
Amanda Palucas and Chief Academic Officer Jen Curry described a program model that would provide up to six asynchronous classes at a time using subject.com’s platform, with a district mentor teacher (a full‑time special education teacher) to hold IEP caseloads, proctor exams and provide weekly contact. The district proposed an unlimited student license at $2,300 per student; administrators projected a total FY27 cost near $230,000 assuming increased participation.
Palucas said the vendor includes an AI‑driven tutor that identifies learning gaps and provides targeted reteaching, cinematic micro‑lessons and built‑in accessibility for IEP/504 and ELL students. A pilot in the spring showed higher completion and credit recovery when a local mentor was assigned; administrators said 77 returning students are enrolled now and the program anticipates growth.
Trustees asked about curriculum alignment, teacher certification, opportunities to mix virtual courses with in‑person classes, and how the district will market the program to retain and recruit students. The administration said subject.com teachers are Michigan‑certified, the district will maintain a PCCS mentor and that the license is year‑long and could be applied to summer school or to replace a leaving student mid‑year without additional cost.
No action was taken; the item was a first read and staff said they would provide a sandbox account for trustees to review curriculum materials and return with further details.
