The Florida Virtual School is laying off hundreds of teachers. The online school cut 177 full-time positions and 625 part-time instructors in July and August. The layoffs are due, in part, to an unexpected drop in student enrollment, says Tania Clow with Florida Virtual School.
“This is the first year we’ve shown a decline. Last year showed a 20% increase as well from 2011-12 to 2012-13", Clow said. "And at this point in time, based on the students who are picking dates in August and September to start their course events, it’s approximately 32% down than it was last year.”
Another reason for the drop in enrollment could be due to changes in the state’s per-student funding formula.
Because districts will get less money this year for students who take virtual courses, brick-and-mortar schools may feel pressured to postpone or deny students’ requests to sign up for online classes.
The Florida Virtual School offers more than 120 online courses free to students who live in the state.