In October, the district surveyed 2,100 students with 700 expressing interest in a remote learning option. When the program launched, 50 students in kindergarten through eighth grade enrolled. Additionally, 15 students at Richarte High School enrolled. According to its website, Richarte is the district's alternative high school of choice, which was able to support flexible learning prior to 2021.
According to the district, there were 12,792 students enrolled in GISD as of Jan. 19, but 27 students remain in the virtual program. The district no longer tracks enrollment from Richarte.
GISD Executive Director of Communications Melinda Brasher reported the district will continue the program for the extent of the 2021-22 school year, but the decision to utilize it next year has not been discussed.
Senate Bill 15 gives school districts access to full funding for remote learning tools for up to 10% of the student body.
The GISD program is supported in partnership with Pearson Connexus, an online education system.
According to the GISD Asynchronous Plan, participating students are provided a minimum of 240 minutes of daily coursework with the appropriate grade-level studies and additional electives in conjunction with the student's home campus. GISD already supplies every student with a Chromebook with limited access to hot spots.
