Board approves flexible online diploma pathway to expand options and recruit students

The board voted unanimously to approve a proposed flexible online diploma pathway intended to provide an alternative route to the district diploma and to attract students who require more flexible schedules, administrators said.

Middle and high school principal Paul (S2) and Superintendent Dustin described the pathway as a way to give students—particularly those who travel for athletics or unique programs—more flexibility while meeting Montana’s state credit requirements. Paul said the district plans to partner with existing providers such as Montana Digital Academy and Global Online Academy and to support students locally rather than operating an entirely separate remote campus.

Administrators explained enrollment-counting mechanics and residency paperwork: students enrolled through the district would be counted by the district for funding regardless of the delivery platform, though nonresident enrollments require additional paperwork. “We have to enroll that student; we count those students,” an administrator said when describing Montana Digital Academy and other partner models.

Why it matters: Trustees framed the pathway as a potential strategy to increase enrollment and thereby bring more per-pupil funding into the district, while emphasizing that rigorous supports are needed because online learning requires substantial student executive functioning.

What happens next: Staff will proceed with outreach plans, update the board on recruitment and enrollment metrics, and consult with partner providers about program details, dual-credit opportunities and how the pathway aligns with IB options.