PfISD to provide limited K-12 virtual learning option using ESSER, local funding

Pflugerville ISD announced July 29 that it will offer a limited virtual learning option to its students for the 2021-22 school year.

There are a limited number of spots available for district families who want to have their children attend virtually. Funding for this program will be sourced from $1.6 million in local monies and $1 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grants, according to an email shared with district parents by Superintendent Douglas Killian.

In the superintendent's email, it is stated that families, which filled out the district's K-12 Virtual Learning Academy application in May, will receive an email notifying them of acceptance to the district's virtual learning academy. However, to keep that spot, parents must confirm participation by Aug. 2.

"Space is limited; if you do not confirm your participation by August 2, 2021, we will offer the spot to another student. We are unable to provide an exception to this expectation," the email reads.

A total of 285 spots are available to district students through the program, according to Public Information Officer Tamra Spence, who said this will allow for one class per grade level with a teacher to student ratio of 22:1.

Families that did not apply in May can still submit applications to the district until Aug. 2. to receive notification of the status of their application before Aug. 6. Applications received by the district after Aug. 6 will be notified on a "rolling" basis. Once all spots are filled, any other applicants will be notified and placed on a waitlist, according to the district.

Students in the virtual learning program will not be assigned a home campus or teacher from the district. Instruction will be provided by a third-party vendor and no on-campus activities are permitted with the virtual academy.

The application for the virtual learning academy is available in English, Spanish or Vietnamese. To learn more about the program, go to www.pfisd.net/domain/2069.