Students are leaving brick-and-mortar schools for online learning.

The Menahga School District is considering combating this trend by providing its own online educational program.

Elevate Online is a Minnesota Department of Education-approved online provider through Southwest Metro Intermediate District 228.

Eric Schneider, executive director of Elevate Online, presented a partnership agreement at the Monday, March 18 school board meeting.

All school districts are wrestling with this as parents become more aware of online educational opportunities, he said.

If approved, program options would be available to Menagha families (both K-12 live-virtual as well as 9-12 self-guided), including special education and English Language services.

The Menahga School District has the option to waive the 50% maximum for “supplemental learning, thus allowing students to remain fully enrolled for graduation status and/or athletics/activities. Students continue to earn Menahga credits, and if a student openly enrolls into Menahga, the student would be able to participate in Menahga athletics and activities.”

Schneider explained students would technically be considered “supplementally enrolled” at Elevate Online.

“So they’re coming to us for part of their schedule,” he said. “We really do behave as an extension of your school.”

Superintendent Jay Kjos recommended approving the partnership.

“Kids are still leaving