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District examines launch of Ontario SD 8C virtual school with $25,000 startup cost
Summary
Board members heard a multi‑stage proposal to create a district-run virtual school aimed at retaining students and expanding online options. Director Jodi Elizondo said the program could start Sept. 25, with $25,000 for curriculum and Chromebooks covered by interested families.
Director of District Improvement Initiatives & Grants Jodi Elizondo proposed that Ontario SD 8C create its own virtual school to serve students already using online platforms and to retain families in the district. "Ontario is in need of a virtual school," Elizondo said, outlining a staged rollout meant to balance in-person and fully virtual enrollment.
Elizondo said the district is in an early planning stage and proposes a Sept. 25 start date. "The upfront cost would be $25,000 for the curriculum," she said, and noted that families who have expressed interest have already covered that amount and that Chromebook needs had been met. Testing would be proctored by staff and Professional Development Assessment and Evaluation Coordinator Erin O’Hara‑Rines, Elizondo said, and the district would use the Pearson platform to track student engagement. Board members asked about outreach, assessment and extracurricular access; Elizondo said marketing and an intake form will help match students to the right format and that students participating in on‑campus activities would remain connected to school programs.
The board did not take formal action on the proposal; Elizondo said staff will continue developing the plan and report back with details on enrollment rules, staffing and assessment procedures.
