Leander ISD Will Offer Remote Learning in Fall 2021

LEANDER, TX — Leander ISD will offer a remote learning option for students during the 2021-2022 school year, officials announced Tuesday.

The district's board of trustees approved a framework Tuesday to provide 100 percent remote learning fro pre-k through 12th grade students to start the school year.

Those who plan to enroll their students in remote learning should complete this enrollment form for their student if they are interested. If people completed an interest form in the spring, they still need to complete this form to join the school, officials said.

Officials said other plan details include: a minimum commitment of one semester; special education/504, gifted services provided; all courses necessary to fulfill basic promotion and/or graduation requirements offered; limited advanced and elective course offerings; and secondary students are not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities offered on home campus.

Based on vaccine distribution, low COVID-19 transmission rates in classrooms, and guidance and rules set by the Texas Education Agency, the district said it believes the best opportunity for most students is to learn in-person with their teachers on campus.

However, in keeping with its mission to partner with families and create safe and supportive environments to nurture each student’s personal growth, the district also believes it is important to offer a remote learning option.

The move to offer virtual learning comes on the heels of legislation that failed to pass in the most recent Texas legislative session that would have funded a remote option for students.

Authorities said the school district has applied for a waiver to the Texas Education Agency requesting standard funding for students who attend school in remote instruction.

In a survey conducted between May 18 to now, 504 students from 356 LISD families expressed a medical need for a remote learning option for 2021–22.

"We expect to fund the $2.8 million, one-year program with federal stimulus or ESSER funding," authorities said. "The state of Texas will not provide funding for students in 100 percent virtual learning next school year."