MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Parents and teachers in Montgomery County are fighting to save a virtual learning program that say is a need, not a want.
The program, Montgomery County Public Schools Virtual Academy (MVA), started during the pandemic and still serves 800 families in the county. It allows students to learn from home virtually.
Dozens of students and their families staged a "sit-in" outside of the MCPS Board of Education offices on Monday, taking part in their afternoon classes to show board members how important the program is.
"Having the virtual academy to go to for our son has been life changing for us," explained Sterling High whose son Ethan is in fourth grade. His wife and 6-year-old daughter Amelia have a genetic condition that makes them vulnerable to COVID and other communicable diseases, so this virtual academy is literally saving their lives.
Ethan and fellow fourth grader Alex Xu were part of Monday's sit-in. Alex says the virtual academy makes him feel seen.
"The teachers can hear the stuff that we’re talking about and it’s really quiet," he said, "I can focus more."
His mom Jenny felt helpless when Alex was leaning in-person because she says he was bullied.
"He came home with bite marks, his best friend had his jacket torn by someone biting it," she explained.
Several parents say their kids have thrived under the program, with many worried as they feel it is too late to find another option.
"Don't make a promise in February. Well before people can make decisions if that fell through and then come back, what three months until the next school year and well past points of families being able to find alternatives," said one MCPS parent who wants to keep the option open.
The board says final decisions on the budget won't be made until the next open board meeting on June 11.
A similar program is facing cuts Frederick County, Maryland. People there packed a meeting, pleading to save it. A spokesperson for the Board of Education says it's unlikely the program will return. However, there is an in-person Board of Education meeting scheduled for June 12. That is where people can share their thoughts.
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