Board discusses possible Virtual Academy expansion and higher student‑to‑teacher ratios

Administrators updated the board on the Birmingham Virtual Academy and possible capacity increases. Staff said the academy’s enrollment cap discussion included increasing capacity to about 105 students and raising the student‑to‑teacher ratio for some sections as part of an operational redesign.

Presenters noted the state sets preferred parameters (cited informally as around 28:1), but the academy has previously operated at higher ratios. Staff described options that ranged up to a 35:1 ratio for some classes and said decisions would depend on program capacity, available certificated staff, and how student supports would be provided. They cautioned that a larger enrollment would represent roughly a 30% increase in academy size and would require expanded documentation and student support systems to preserve program quality.

Board and staff considered staffing models — including using additional periods, hiring part‑time teachers, or reallocating existing staff — and emphasized not growing so fast that certificated personnel costs make the program unsustainable. Administrators said they will further analyze models, the effect on full‑time equivalent positions, and financial impacts before returning with a specific recommendation.