Klein ISD trustees greenlight next steps for potential virtual, hybrid programs

Klein ISD could add virtual and hybrid courses or potentially convert an entire campus to remote learning by the 2026-27 school year after the district’s board of trustees voted Aug. 11 to research the possibility.

What’s happening?

In May, Texas lawmakers approved Senate Bill 569, granting public school districts and charter schools across the state the option to consider adding virtual or hybrid courses for students, according to Texas Legislature Online. The bill also provides grant opportunities for districts that pursue adding these courses.

During KISD trustees’ regular Aug. 11 meeting, trustees unanimously voted to pursue virtual or hybrid programs under this law.

“[I'm] excited for this possibility to be able to advance this,” board President Rob Ellis said.

How we got here

In July, district leaders met with KISD’s District Instructional Development Council about SB 569, according to Aug. 11 meeting documents. The council voted in favor of KISD leaders beginning research on virtual and hybrid options.

Now that trustees approved the pursuit of potential virtual and hybrid courses for KISD, leaders will continue their research on the topic and potentially submit a proposal to the state education commissioner, according to meeting documents.