Committee votes to forward Menasha-led virtual-school consortium MOU to full board

The curriculum committee voted to forward a proposed memorandum of understanding to the full Manitowoc School District Board that would join a Menasha-led virtual-school consortium and offer a virtual instructional option to certain students.

Staff said roughly 80 Manitowoc students are currently open-enrolled in virtual programs elsewhere and that Menasha's Fox Valley Virtual School has been recognized by the state for strong performance. Staff described the proposed MOU as specifying the per-pupil funding split between Menasha and Manitowoc and said the arrangement would keep students connected to district extracurriculars and allow students to return to in-person Manitowoc classes if families later choose to do so.

Staff described the program model as teacher-led with daily live instruction, small-group lessons, individualized supports and regular progress tracking. "There are teacher led lessons, small group instruction, and also individualized learning support," staff said. A board member asked whether the district would still count those students as Manitowoc students; staff replied the district "would receive a percent of the per pupil funding" and that details are in the MOUs the committee will receive.

A motion to advance the MOU to the full board was moved by staff and seconded by the Chair; the committee approved the motion by voice vote and the Chair said "Motion carried." Staff will provide the MOUs and intergovernmental agreement language to committee members for review before the full board meeting.