KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 1, 2021
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy ISD’s standalone virtual high school is on hold as the legislation that would grant funding for such virtual statewide school options has been put on hold. Enrollment was set to open for the 2021-2022 academic school year today.
Enrollment on Hold as Legislation is Pending
The Katy ISD Virtual High School would be a stand-alone, free school funded by the state. The Katy ISD Board of Trustees voted to move forward with plans for the school during the last school board meeting. The District's website for the program just updated with the following information:
NOTE: The Texas House Bill designed to broaden access to virtual schools through funding and further guidance for public school districts is still pending legislative action. Enrollment for the 2021-22 KVS High School will open when the bill is enacted into law or further guidance is provided by TEA.
Enrollment was Suppose to Open Today
The school would be available for eligible Katy 9th-12th graders. Enrollment for the 2021-2022 academic year was supposed to open online today, June 1.
Late Sunday night, House Democrats walked out in attempt to not pass a voting restrictions bill. In the process, some bills and issues that should have made it through the legislative session didn’t.
Governor Greg Abbott has called a special session to take on planned emergency issues on bail reform and election integrity. As of now, the issue of statewide virtual school programs and many other issues could fall flat if they are not added to the special session or another session isn't scheduled.
Katy parents with questions related to the Virtual High School are encouraged to email the District.
Follow the official Katy Virtual High School website for updates and the District plans to open enrollment when the bill is enacted or guidance is provided by TEA.