At its Monday evening meeting on Feb. 9, the Amarillo Independent School District Board of Trustees heard an update on a proposed expansion of virtual learning options that district leaders say is designed to address shifting student needs and growing demand for flexibility.
Wilkerson told trustees that changes in the workforce, technology, and family expectations are reshaping how students and parents view education. She said the district must adapt to remain responsive and competitive. While virtual education drew mixed reviews during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said district leaders have identified examples of successful online instruction within that period and believe lessons learned can inform a more structured and effective program moving forward.
Following an August meeting focused on instructional challenges and innovation, the district applied for grant funding through the Texas Education Agency. Wilkerson announced that AISD has been awarded a $226,000 grant to support development of a virtual learning initiative over the next two years. The funding will allow the district to conduct research, refine instructional design, and prepare systems intended to maintain academic standards in a digital environment.
Wilkerson said the proposed virtual program is expected to launch in the 2027–28 school year. Initially, it would serve students in grades 6 through 12. She described the initiative as encompassing both accelerated learning opportunities and primary instruction delivered online, with the possibility of hybrid models that combine virtual and in-person components.
Board President Doyle Corder asked what type of students the program is intended to serve. Wilkerson responded that the goal is not early graduation but rather added flexibility. She said the program would be designed for students who may be working, pursuing specialized interests, or facing circumstances that make a traditional school day more challenging. She emphasized that participation would involve an application process and oversight measures to ensure accountability.
Under the proposed structure, students would have increased control over when they complete coursework rather than adhering strictly to a fixed daily bell schedule. Wilkerson said this flexibility could make AISD more attractive to families who might otherwise turn to private institutions or other districts offering virtual options. During the discussion, trustees noted that some schools in the area, including Ascension Academy, already provide online coursework.
Wilkerson acknowledged that virtual learning remains a subject of debate. Board member Don Powell indicated a preference for traditional classroom instruction, expressing support for in-person teaching models. In response, Wilkerson said she also values face-to-face instruction and the experience of working directly with students in a classroom setting. However, she stated that educational leaders must consider how evolving expectations and technological advancements are influencing family decisions.
She said the district’s objective is to remain current and relevant while continuing to prioritize student outcomes. Wilkerson stressed that the initiative would not represent a departure from academic standards or performance requirements. Students enrolled in virtual courses would still be subject to the same accountability measures that apply to traditional campuses, including state assessments and district benchmarks.
When asked whether the program would require additional staffing, Wilkerson said that hiring decisions would depend on enrollment levels and program results. She noted that careful planning will be necessary to ensure that instructors are prepared to deliver high-quality online instruction and that course offerings meet state requirements. Fine arts and physical education courses may initially face limitations in a virtual format, though district leaders indicated that long-term plans could expand the range of available subjects.
Trustees also discussed the importance of monitoring student engagement and achievement in an online setting. Wilkerson said the grant funding will support research and evaluation aimed at identifying best practices and avoiding pitfalls experienced during pandemic-era remote learning. She described the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen instructional design and better profile student learning needs.
District leaders emphasized that the proposal remains in the planning phase. Over the next two years, AISD administrators will develop program guidelines, establish accountability systems, and gather stakeholder input before implementation. The 2027–28 launch date is intended to allow sufficient time for preparation and adjustment.
The discussion reflected a broader conversation taking place in school districts across Texas and the nation as educators weigh the role of virtual instruction in a post-pandemic landscape. While traditional classroom learning remains the foundation of AISD’s educational model, trustees indicated a willingness to explore additional options that may help retain students and meet changing family expectations.
