Austin ISD - Announcement: Lawmakers Vote To Fund Virtual Learning Programs

Press release from Austin ISD - Announcement:

September 3, 2021

By Eduardo Villa

Austin ISD may soon recoup some of the funding that went toward operating its virtual learning program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Driving the news: On Wednesday, Texas lawmakers approved Senate Bill 15, which would provide funding for students attending virtual learning programs.

Why it matters: The bill, which is awaiting the governor’s signature, would provide financial relief to Austin ISD. The district launched its virtual option with reserve funds and planned to use federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds to cover some of the losses.

Yes, but: Austin ISD will keep its current K-6 virtual learning model and will not expand to other grade levels.

In between the lines: The bill would provide funding for virtual learning until September 2023 and students learning in the program must have passed their STAAR exam with a C grade or higher.

This press release was produced by Austin ISD - Announcement. The views expressed here are the author’s own.