Wellston board approves Virtual Academy handbook for 2025-26

The Wellston Board of Education voted to approve the Virtual/Blended Academy handbook and application for the 2025-2026 school year. Brock Terrell moved to approve and Tyler Barnes seconded; the motion carried with four yeas and one member absent.

The approved handbook establishes program rules including that applicants must be in grades 6–12, students are expected to "log in every school day," and those who do not log in for 10 consecutive days will be dropped from the roll. The handbook requires students to be 50% complete at the end of the first nine weeks and specifies that seniors not on pace to graduate "may not walk at graduation." It also notes OSSAA eligibility guidance: students must be enrolled in at least one in-person credit to participate in OSSAA-governed activities.

Board and staff said the handbook, previously discussed by MS/HS principal Greg Grimmett, is intended to clarify pacing, eligibility and accountability for virtual learners. The district will publish the approved application and associated dates; the handbook describes semester deadlines and a plan-of-improvement process for students who fall behind.