FREDERICK, Md. — Another vital program is on the chopping block as Frederick County Public Schools works to close a $50 million budget gap. School leaders are considering doing away with its Remote Virtual Program (RVP) in an effort to present a balanced budget by June 30.
According to FCPS, the Remote Virtual Program is a remote learning option that allows for live virtual classes Monday through Friday and follows the same academic calendar as the rest of the school district.
Some parents are concerned that axing the program could make things difficult for their students, especially those with special needs. Some parents have taken to social media in an effort to save the program.
One parent said she filed for emergency home schooling after she discovered her son was being put into seclusion rooms while at school. She said her son is now thriving with the use of RVP, and expressed frustration that the school district could suddenly take it away without warning.
"None of our children deserve this," she said in a Facebook post.
The Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee is meeting Monday to discuss next steps before a city council meeting Tuesday.
This comes after community members, students, staff and alumni rallied to save the school district's fourth and fifth grade band and orchestra programs from being cut last week.
There was standing ovation once the vote concluded in favor of keeping the programs going.
FCPS voted unanimously to cut more than $16 million from the salary resource pool, increase class sizes and cut full-time positions. The board also proposed increasing athletic fees.
The next board meeting is scheduled for May 29, and a final meeting will happen on June 12, where decisions will be made.