Because it’s on-line, the Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School can enroll students from across the state. Next year, however, it will likely have competition.
GREENFIELD – The state’s only virtual academy opened its virtual doors to students last month despite the unresolved matter of a contract between Greenfield and K12, the national for-profit company that is collaborating with the town in the venture.
The Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School, which has been in operation since 2010, is currently the only on-line school in Massachusetts serving students from elementary through high school. That will not likely be the case next year. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is reviewing six applications to open other virtual academies in the 2014-2015 school year. Massachusetts hopes to eventually certify up to 10 virtual academies.
Greenfield School Superintendent Susan Hollins is serving as superintendent for the virtual academy as part of the agreement with K12, which is essentially purchasing the administrative services of the town’s school system. J.C. Considine, a spokesman with the state, said the contract, which spells out the relationship between K12 and Greenfield, needs some revisions but is not an obstacle to beginning the school year.
“We’re not holding up the school from starting the school year,” he said. “But they need to get this contract in place.”
The commissioner of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education must also sign off on the virtual academy’s request to expand its board of directors from five to seven.
“That’s a change from the certificate they were granted,” Considine said.
Ed Berlin, the chairman of the academy’s board of directors, agreed that the unresolved contract has not been a hold-up. The academy started its school year on Aug. 28 as scheduled, with more than 400 students enrolled.
“I expect most changes will not be substantive and that we’ll have a contract,” he said.
Last year, The Republican carried a story by the New England Center for Investigative Reporting at Boston University that found student tests scores were lower than average at the virtual academy and the drop-out rate was high. In January, Gov. Deval Patrick signed a law that puts virtual schools under state supervision. Since then, the Greenfield virtual academy has been scrambling to adjust to new regulations and standards, necessitating the increase in board members.
“A lot of work needs to be done and we need more help,” Berlin said.
Because it’s on-line, the Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School can enroll students from across the state. Next year, however, it will likely have competition. Berlin acknowledged that students will have other choices in the 2014-2015 school year but said the academy is undaunted.
“Our focus is on providing excellent education,” he said.