Family Update | Aug. 5
Lewisville ISD Families,
The first day of school is almost here, and we are excited to begin another school year with you. I want to discuss a question some of you have asked, which is why isn’t LISD offering a virtual learning option, specifically at the elementary level, for students who are too young to receive the vaccine.
It is a reasonable question and I appreciate those who have reached out to request that option. I certainly understand the concerns, frustration, and even the anxiety you have expressed, along with the dilemma many of our families face as we return to school, especially since the Governor’s order GA-38 prohibits school districts from requiring the use of masks.
LISD is unable to provide virtual learning due to timing, curriculum, funding and logistical issues. It is a much more complex situation than just hiring more teachers, or allocating more money for virtual learning. The truth is that very few districts across Texas are offering virtual learning because many of the laws and regulations governing Texas public schools create barriers to providing those programs.
Please know that LISD worked diligently to make virtual learning available, and we began preparing for that option early last spring. We put out surveys to determine the level of interest, held interviews for virtual teachers, identified principals, and even developed a framework for virtual learning at the elementary, middle, and high school level. We were prepared to move forward.
We had high hopes that our state legislature would provide us the support, flexibility and tools needed to make it a reality. A virtual learning bill that had broad support from both parties never even came up for a final vote before the legislative session ended on May 31.
We were extremely disappointed, and frankly surprised, that nothing was passed.
Even with that development, LISD waited to make a final decision on whether we could offer virtual learning until June 21, shortly after LISD learned from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that they couldn’t provide a funding mechanism for full-time virtual learning. It is just not a feasible option for LISD given the current circumstances.
The last two school years have been challenging, to say the least, and I know we have many more challenges ahead of us. We are grateful for the support we have received, from our students, families, staff members and the communities we serve. Thank you for being part of the LISD family.
Kevin Rogers, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Lewisville ISD