Six Yamhill County school districts could see $1.2 million in revenue by creating a collaborative online learning program, according to a report by ECONorthwest. Dayton, Amity, Sheridan, Willamina, Yamhill-Carlton, Newberg, and McMinnville commissioned a report through the Chalkboard Project to look at the potential of creating a robust online learning program as well as finding efficiencies in their current IT operations.

“Especially in times of limited resources, it is essential that districts look for ways to spend their dollars wisely. These seven districts are looking for creative ways to not only save dollars, but to expand their offerings to bring in additional resources,” said Sue Hildick, Chalkboard Project President.

The study of the IT operations of the seven districts revealed that most of the districts were already very efficient in their IT services, but the report did raise a number of low-impact suggestions. One suggestion was that smaller districts might consider partnering with a least one other small district to reach a similar level of efficiency as some of the medium-sized districts in the area.

The more significant findings were related to the creation of online learning programs. The report suggests that districts could gain a new revenue stream by providing an online learning program targeted at the current population of home schooled students in the region.
The online learning recommendations include:

• The Yamhill districts should collaborate to build online programs. Together the districts can create a robust program, but the market would not support each district having its own program.

• The new programs should be built “in-district” rather than as charter schools. Charter schools face changing state regulation and an unclear future. Additionally, charter schools traditionally receive a smaller percent of per student funding than programs built within the district.

• Divide the market into grade level clusters with limited overlap. In order to avoid competition and provide the highest quality programs possible, the districts that run programs should focus on limited grade ranges. The report suggests that there be one high school program, one middle school program, and two K-5 programs.

By partnering to create a robust program that serves all grades, and limits the overlap of services, the report suggests that all seven districts would benefit. Districts that offer the online programs would see additional revenue from every student who attends, and districts that have home school students transfer to the online programs would also benefit financially. The report suggests that districts that do not have programs themselves would keep a certain percentage of per student funding for each student that transfers to the online program from their district.

“We are at a point with our school funding that we have to think creatively. We are excited about the opportunities that online learning could provide for our student population,” said Dr. Paula Radich, Newberg School District Superintendent.

News from the Chalkboard Project