Arlington ISD outlines optional flexible school day program enrollment, eligibility and funding rules

Arlington ISD trustees heard a public hearing on the Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) on June 5, during which the district summarized participation and proposed rules for the coming school year.

Barry Fox, executive director of transformational learning, told the board that during the 2024–25 academic year, 106 students were enrolled in OFSDP at Arlington Collegiate and Career High School, and approximately 30 students at Venture High School. Fox said many OFSDP participants completed college courses during traditional and nontraditional hours, and several members of the Class of 2025 graduated with associate degrees.

Fox outlined proposed eligibility and operations for 2025–26: OFSDP may be implemented for students in grades 9–12 who are at risk of dropping out, who are enrolled in an approved early collegiate high school or state‑approved innovative redesign school, or who require an alternate academic route after being denied credit for one or more classes because of attendance. He explained attendance‑based funding rules: the district may receive funding based on actual time a student is in attendance, from as low as 45 minutes a day up to a maximum of 10 hours a day; minutes accumulate to maximize average daily attendance (ADA) over a 12‑month period.

Fox said students must apply to participate, meet eligibility requirements, and be provided certified instructors for all services offered; they must also comply with regular assessment periods. The board recorded no registered public comments during the hearing and closed the matter after the presentation.

Trustees did not take formal action on the OFSDP at the June 5 meeting; the hearing provided public notice and a staff presentation of eligibility, funding mechanics and implementation safeguards.