The Teaching Profession

Florida Virtual School Trims Out-of-State People

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 06/14/18

In spite of the fact that Florida Virtual School offers "global" options to students around the world who want to take digital courses, the school earlier this year informed its out-of-state educators that they'd have to move to Florida to keep their jobs.

According to reporting by WKMG ClickOrlando, 33 teachers and support staff had until May 15 to relocate to the state or lose their jobs. Teacher contracts were to be honored through June 30.

One of those teachers, based in North Carolina, said the deadline was a surprise since she thought she'd be needed until June 30. As a result, Lauren Masino, a seventh-grade virtual science teacher, was cut off from the 77 students in her class "with only three assignments left."

The school told WKMG that those individuals facing dismissal could also apply for positions in FLVS Global, a division that delivers online education to students located in other states and countries. However, a link for FLVS Global job openings for teachers reverts to the main school site career page and an FAQ states, "At this time, FLVS is not able to consider out-of-state candidates."

While a handful of employees did choose to relocate or retire altogether, the majority of those selected for dismissal chose to stay in their current locations.

FLVS general counsel Frank Kruppenbacher told the news station that the decision was made by the virtual school's executive board to make sure it was "investing back in the state." He noted that the outcome wasn't a "reflection" on the teachers, but "on the fact that their jobs can be done back in Florida."

The school also expected to save $70,000 or more in travel expenses by bringing the positions back in-state.