Parish said 780 kids were already learning virtually, and the district wants to bring some of them back. She said parents asked for flexibility, and the district is answering with "options and choices to bring kids back into AISD."
Right now, 133 students from the Amarillo area are enrolled in the virtual expansion program. It offers all-virtual and hybrid options, and students can still join band or sports. Six Amarillo ISD teachers staff it and report to work daily. Parish said more staff could come next year as the program grows.
For families, the pitch is simple. Parents who left over scheduling or convenience now have a way back in.
Child care is part of the push too. Early Childhood Education Director Brittany Hinz said the district is expanding care at Park Hills for families and employees. "Our second site that we are opening at Park Hills is going to also have some employee spots, but we want to open that to the community as well," Hinz said.