Missouri Bill Would Let Virtual Schools Count Enrollment Of Students, Instead Of District

State Representative Phil Christofanelli is proposing to let virtual schools count the enrollment of its full-time high school students instead of the school district in which they live. Under his bill, it would give state funding tied to virtual school enrollment to the online program provider the students are enrolled in – not their local school districts. During a public hearing this week, Colleen Cook with the National Coalition for Public School Options says districts have put up barriers for families trying to access online learning.

“When seeking information or looking to enroll in a virtual program, parents have been actively discouraged by school district administrators and in some cases have had their requests arbitrarily denied without cause.”

Independence School District Superintendent Dale Herl says the providers would not be held accountable for the academic performance of students – the local districts would. He also encouraged lawmakers to search online about reports of fraud and embezzlement of state funds and the performance of such programs.

Andy Turgeon, superintendent of Knox County R-1 School District in northeast Missouri, added that it’s an insult to hear people say public school administrators only care about the money.

“I care about every student and I know every single student in my school district. I know what this kid responds to. I know what this kid needs. But when they enroll in a program like this, they become a number. They don’t have a mentor. They don’t have someone that’s going to be there.”

During Governor Parson’s State of the State address this year, he said he wants to expand virtual schools. A Missouri House committee is reviewing the proposal, but has not voted on the legislation.