EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Socorro Independent School District leaders are moving closer to launching a full-time virtual learning program for high school students, an effort aimed at giving families more flexibility while also keeping students \u2014 and state funding \u2014 in the district.<\/p>\n
The Board of Trustees received an update during a briefing yesterday on a proposed Socorro Virtual Academy, which would offer an online option within SISD rather than requiring families to look outside the district.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout a competitive district-operated virtual options, some of our SISD families may choose to go to charter schools or external virtual programs. When that occurs, students not only leave their home campuses, but the broader services and support systems that we have available in our district,\u201d said Carlos Guerra, assistant superintendent for secondary schools.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Socorro school district presents $550.5M balanced budget amid financial pressures<\/a><\/p>\n District officials said implementation would be split into phases, starting with a pilot serving about 25 to 50 high school students. <\/p>\n The pilot would use equipment, staff and technology the district already has and would not require new purchasing.<\/p>\n Officials said the pilot would run from October through May next year, with at least 12 weeks of data collected on attendance, engagement and grades.<\/p>\n To qualify, students would need to have passed their most recent state assessments, have at least 90 percent attendance and have good grades. <\/p>\n Families would also receive a 10-day trial period to determine whether virtual learning is a good fit.<\/p>\n District officials said the pilot would not guarantee a permanent virtual academy. <\/p>\n A full launch could come in the 2028-29 school year based on results from the pilot and authorization from the Texas Education Agency.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the full plan, that at some point they do become the full campus, they will get their own PEIMS number, their own campus principal, administration, everything, but it will all be in a virtual setting,\u201d Guerra said.<\/p>\n Trustees did not vote on the program yesterday. <\/p>\n The item is expected to return for possible approval at the board\u2019s regular meeting next week.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Socorro ISD voters to decide tax-rate measure after unanimous board vote<\/a><\/p>\n