Previously published on November 16, 2021
During the pandemic, virtual learning was something students and teachers had to embrace to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Now, the Sioux City Community School District has introduced its VIBE Academy. It’s a fully virtual learning academy that will stay in place even after the pandemic has passed.
Right now, virtual teachers are housed in leased space in the Ho-Chunk Centre. But the district wants to move the VIBE Academy to a more permanent location.
“We really believe that having all the teachers together and creating a space that invites not only teachers but students to be a part of this community. We really feel that VIBE Academy and virtual learning, in general, has a place in Sioux City and beyond. Because there’s a lot of kids who really need this option and it goes beyond COVID,” said Dave Vickery, VIBE Academy Principal.
Plans call for spending $1.5 million dollars in federal COVID funds to build a permanent home for the academy inside the school district’s Educational Service Center. When complete, the area will be similar to a modern office space where teachers can collaborate, and teach their classes.
The new space will also include some permanent classrooms for subjects like music, art and physical education.
Vickery said he hopes folks understand one thing when it comes to the proposed renovation…
“Long term for virtual learning in Sioux City, I see a growing demand. And I see a demand that’s never going to go away. Because there’s a lot of different reasons that students need virtual learning. It could be health reasons. It could be mental health reasons. It could be a variety of reasons that we haven’t even thought of. But we’ve seen a lot of that already with VIBE academy. And I think over the years as we continue to grow, there’ll be continued demand. And really having a permanent space where we can really hone in our skills and become one of the leaders in virtual learning around this area,” said Vickery.
A public hearing is set to take place at next week’s school board meeting, on Monday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. inside the Educational Service Center. A district spokesperson says the board is expected to vote on the plan at that meeting, as well.