Virtual learners were originally set to start Aug. 18, the same day as in-person students. However, with over 5,000 students enrolled virtually, according to district officials, and adjustments to staffing and teacher onboarding, this date was shifted. Virtual students will also participate in virtual orientation Aug. 23 and 24, according to a release from the district.
This will not change the remainder of the school year, and the adopted 2021-22 academic calendar will remain in place. Curbside meal pickup service will also remain available to families during this time.
During the Aug. 16 meeting of the district's board of trustees, Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez gave a presentation regarding virtual learning in the district, which stated a total of 5,103 students had enrolled in this learning option. To provide virtual learning to this many students, Azaiez said the district will spend around $17.5 million.
However, Senate Bill 15, a bill that would provide average daily attendance funding for virtually enrolled students capped at 10% of the district's population, passed in the Texas Senate and is on its way to the state House of Representatives, Azaiez said.
