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Plano ISD board hears proposal for Virtual and Hybrid Learning Academy for grades 9–12
Summary
Plano ISD administrators proposed a district‑managed Virtual and Hybrid Learning Academy that would offer full‑time and hybrid virtual options for grades 9–12, keep students tied to their home high schools, require an application and eligibility checks, and preserve extracurricular and UIL access.
Plano Independent School District officials presented a proposal on Feb. 3 to create a Virtual and Hybrid Learning Academy to offer fuller online learning options for students in grades 9 through 12 while keeping them connected to their home high schools.
"This initiative is designed to expand high quality flexible learning options for students while remaining fully aligned with state law, district expectations and our commitment to student success," Stacey Singleton, the district's director for expanded learning, told the board. Under the plan, Plano ISD would pursue the program option authorized by Senate Bill 569 so virtual and hybrid programs are housed at each high school rather than as a separate, standalone campus.
Administrators said the program will include an application process and eligibility criteria — including passing STAAR exams, a history of good attendance, and no significant technology or conduct infractions — designed to match students to an environment where they can succeed. Students in the program would keep their Plano ISD student IDs, remain affiliated with a home campus for counseling and discipline, and remain eligible for extracurricular activities including UIL, officials said.
Trustees asked detailed questions about how lab sciences, Advanced Placement and dual‑credit courses would be handled. District staff said some AP courses and many in‑district AP offerings could be delivered online, but dual‑credit classes are controlled by partner colleges and may not always be available virtually. On lab work, presenters said the online curriculum selected will include ways to meet laboratory requirements but conceded specifics will be developed as the program is finalized.
"We are essentially proposing two instructional models in Plano ISD" — a full virtual model delivered in an adaptive online environment and a hybrid model combining face-to-face classes on a home campus with online courses, Stacey Singleton said. The district plans a phased rollout that begins with an interest survey (sent the day of the board meeting), finalizes a virtual learning manual, recommends policy updates, opens registration in mid‑March and provides teacher professional learning over the summer.
Some trustees expressed caution. Trustee Catherine Goodwin said she was "seriously concerned about our young folks and their ability to communicate with other human beings," urging the district to draw lines that preserve in‑person interaction for courses where hands‑on learning and peer discussion are central. District leaders said the program is intended for a subset of students who can thrive in an independent online model and emphasized that it is not a replacement for traditional campus-based schooling.
District officials said they will return to the board with more details, including survey findings and policy recommendations, and are waiting for additional state guidance and UIL direction on athletics participation under the new law.
