The Clear Creek Amana board on Dec. 11 authorized administration to proceed with planning for a district virtual academy and a 9-12 alternative-education pathway and endorsed proposed diploma options and a preschool relocation plan.

Virtual academy and alternative education: Superintendent Aaron Davidson and high-school administrators presented parallel proposals for a self-paced virtual academy (with an adult-supervised on-site testing and support location) and a district-run 9-12 alternative-education pathway. Administrators said the virtual program relies on state-aligned, self-paced coursework with teacher check-ins and that the district's Clipper Early Childhood Academy/Tiffin site is proposed as a supervised location for students who need on-site access, reliable internet or proctored testing. "We would have some students who, for a variety of reasons, home doesn't have Wi-Fi access or it's not a safe setting," Davidson said, explaining the rationale for a dedicated site.

Staffing: Administration said both programs can start without additional FTEs by repurposing existing staff assignments; initial program oversight would be provided by identified staff at the high school and the virtual campus. The board supported proceeding with outreach and planning and asked administration to report back on enrollment interest and staffing implications.

Diploma options: The board reviewed proposed diploma pathways — a standard diploma (56+ credits), an honors diploma (60+ credits) and a core diploma (45–55 credits) — intended to preserve rigor while offering options for students with different needs. Board members urged timely communication so juniors and families can plan for pathways that take effect next school year.

Preschool relocation: Administration recommended moving Clipper Early Childhood Academy to a Tiffin elementary site to consolidate pre-K programming and improve accessibility, including gym access and safer playground transitions. Board members supported the change as a service and safety improvement for younger children and approved continuing the planning work.

All items received board support to proceed to next steps; formal program launch and staffing decisions will follow enrollment estimates and final plans.