Waco ISD board authorizes search for virtual-education partnership under Texas SB 569

Waco Independent School District trustees on March 19 unanimously authorized district staff to pursue a potential partnership to implement virtual education options under Senate Bill 569.

During a presentation, Dr. King-Knowles outlined three paths allowed by SB 569: offering individual virtual courses, establishing full-time programs within existing campuses, or creating full-time virtual campuses. The superintendent’s materials noted that the law "allows Waco ISD to operate as a statewide 'district of choice,'" potentially enabling the district to enroll students from across Texas and increase state funding tied to enrollment.

Trustee Angelo Ochoa moved to authorize a search for a partnership to return to the board with recommendations; Trustee Taylor Bledsoe seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0. The public minutes do not record specific vendors or potential partners; the board instructed staff to explore options and report back.

The discussion positioned the action as a step to evaluate whether a virtual model could expand access and revenue rather than an immediate program launch. The board did not adopt policy language or approve contracts at the March 19 meeting, and any future program would require subsequent board approvals.