Katy ISD Board Votes to Not Extend Virtual Learning Option

KATY MAGAZINE NEW

October 5, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

The Katy ISD Board of Trustees voted to not extend the District’s virtual learning option that has been available for grades K-6 since the start of this calendar. All virtual students will return to in-person learning on October 18.

The Katy Virtual Academy will end on October 15. All District students will be in-person starting October 18.

KVA Students Return to In-Person Learning October 18

All Katy ISD students will be back to in-person learning starting October 18. The Board of Trustees votes last night 7-0 to not extend the virtual learning option. In August, they approved Katy Virtual Academy (KVA) for families of students in kindergarten through 6th grade. This covered the age group yet to be approved for the COVID-19 vaccine.

A Katy Parent Voices Concern

“Not giving these children (under 12 years old) a KVA option implies Katy ISD's asymmetrical, lackadaisical, and inequitable approach,” says Katy ISD parent Garima DGupta, who previous ran for a Board of Trustee position.

KVA started this year on August 30 and will run through October 15.

Katy ISD has over 88,000 students and around 4,200 students are currently enrolled in KVA.

“As Katy ISD plans to open fully from Oct 18, I am fearful,” says DGupta. “There are many kids with underlying health issues and with vaccines around the corner, many parents are hopeful.”

DGupta has been hopeful for when she could send her daughter back to in-person learning safely.

Katy ISD does have funding for virtual learning through SB 15.

“I hope KATY ISD will consider the safety of all students and will give us a KVA option until vaccines for under 12 years old are out,” says DGupta.

According to the Katy ISD's COVID Dashboard, there are currently 350 active virus cases District wide. The District reports a cumulative number of 4,273 since June 1, 2021.

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