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Board approves $105,000 annual contract for virtual learning platform
Summary
The board approved a contract with Subject Technologies Incorporated (subject.com) at $105,000 annually to run a virtual learning program for grades 6–12 after a pilot that staff said improved engagement; staff said the district will retain a teacher to check in with online students and continue some ESD courses.
Milton-Freewater Unified SD 7 approved a contract with Subject Technologies Incorporated to provide a virtual learning platform for grades 6–12 at an annual fee of $105,000. A staff presenter reviewed results from a pilot and noted high student engagement, language accessibility (Spanish and English), and the district’s plan to keep a part-time teacher to provide check-ins and special-education/ELL supports for online students.
The staff member said last year the district spent roughly $160,000 with the ESD for similar services for grades 6–12 and that the new contract would be less expensive while preserving the ability to sign up with the ESD for courses subject.com does not offer (for example, the ESD’s officiating course). After discussion about staffing and continuity of supports, a committee member moved and the chair seconded the motion to approve the contract; the motion passed by voice vote.
Board discussion clarified that the district intends to retain a local teacher in a 0.5–0.75 FTE role to perform student and parent check-ins and aid online course engagement. The staff member emphasized that the model’s success depends on keeping that teacher and on continuing to provide special education and ELL services to students enrolled online.
