District 203 debating virtual charter school

Naperville Unit District 203 officials will begin deliberations Monday night about whether to allow a controversial proposed online virtual charter school to operate within the district.

Community members packed a March 18 public hearing, with many urging the district to to vote against a proposal to create the Illinois Virtual Charter School at Fox River Valley, a virtual charter school that would serve 18 West suburban school districts, including District 203.

If approved, Virginia-based education corporation K12 likely will run the day-to-day operations of the online school.

K12 Vice President Zach Wasilew estimated the school would be an option for between 50 and 75 district students at a cost of about $8,000 per student, $4,000 less than the per-student costs incurred by the district.

The entire 215-page proposal can be viewed on the district’s website. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at district headquarters, 203 Hillside Drive.