D-49 will unveil online academy, board meeting podcasting

Falcon School District 49 will unveil two new projects at Thursday’s school board meeting: creation of an online academy and podcasting of board meetings.

The board is expected to vote on the administration’s choice of a principal to lead the new online academy, which will compete with 19 others in the state that offer classes to students wherever they live. The new executive will be charged with naming the school and creating a curriculum.

District officials hope to have the school operating by fall.

“We are responding to needs that have been expressed to us,” said Mary Guinn, assistant superintendent.

She noted that the online school would give students who want classes not obtainable in brick and mortar schools more choices. For example, it could offer more STEM program (science, technology, engineering and math) classes.

An online program would also help students who have fallen behind with course credits, and also be an educational supplement for those who home school.

Some districts look to online schools to capture more students, and thus more state funding,  However, Guinn said, “We aren’t considering it as a budget saving option. But, we do want the academy ultimately to be self-sufficient.”

Guinn noted that an online academy could ease enrollment in schools. Falcon is one of the fastest growing districts in the state, and expects even more students when housing developments expand as the economy improves.

A recent Colorado Department of Education report on online schools found that 87 percent of students came from outside the districts offering the programs, and that most of the schools were below average on state tests, partly because many at-risk students are enrolled. Guinn said that the district is looking for a high quality curriculum to avoid that problem.

The district will do a trial run Thursday of podcasting board meetings. The audio won’t be live, but will be available shortly after the meetings at d49.org., if everything technically works out, said Danielle Lindorf, board president.

“It’s an effort to be more transparent and communicate information,” Lindorf said.

 Last year some in the community unsuccessfully attempted to recall two board members, citing lack of board transparency and communication. Only one member of the former board remains.