SCSD 1 provides virtual learning to students

While Sheridan County School District 2 is looking at the possibility of offering online instruction, one school district in Sheridan County already provides virtual learning.

Sheridan County School District 1 operates the brick-and-mortar schools in Big Horn, Ranchester and Dayton. But the district also provides online learning to students statewide through the Cowboy State Academy.

Pete Kilbride, who’s superintendent of School District 1, said just over 50 of the district’s students opted to continue online learning rather than return to classes when the schools reopened this past fall, and the issue came up during a work session of the district’s trustees earlier this week.

Kilbride said trustees were concerned about whether continuing online instruction would put an extra workload on the district’s teachers. Kilbride said the district’s Cowboy State Virtual Academy has its own set of teachers.

Another issue being considered is how many students might be interested in continuing their education virtually.

Kilbride said 13 of the students who started the year attending virtual classes have since returned to the brick-and-mortar schools.

Regardless of circumstances with regard to the pandemic, students in School District 1 will have the option of learning via the Internet next year.