UISD Outlines New Virtual Learning Program

Tribune News Service — As United Independent School District (UISD) faces declining enrollment and a $44 million budget deficit, district leaders on Wednesday outlined new efforts aimed at attracting and retaining students, including the launch of a virtual high school program, the expansion of Early College programs and the opening of registration for the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Gerardo Cruz, UISD superintendent of schools, said great things were happening in the United Independent School District despite the many challenges they were facing.

“We are going to get through this together, and we are now responding to what is new and innovative in the state of Texas,” he said.

He said they now had to compete with other school districts and private schools for the voucher program soon to be implemented through the Texas Education Freedom Account program, which allows families to use taxpayer funds for private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring and other educational expenses.

“We will begin our online enrollment registration on Feb. 2, where parents will have the opportunity to enroll their child for the best programs and innovative technology and learning experiences that we have at UISD,” he said. “I want to remind the community parents that we are an open enrollment district. That means that many children in other districts or charter school districts can have the opportunity to come and be part of the great system of United ISD.”

He reported that in 2025, through Senate Bill 569, Texas began allowing school districts to offer virtual enrollment.

“We are going to begin this pilot virtual program, United ConnectEd, for high school students, from grades 9 to 12, and any student in the state of Texas will now have the opportunity to be part of UISD, to enroll and receive great teaching by certified UISD teachers, access to a great curriculum that has been locally developed as well as a combination with an online platform,” he said. “Along with that, any student who is local can also enroll in this virtual program and enroll in extracurricular activities.”

Cruz said that enrolling in this virtual program provides a great opportunity for many students to have flexible learning within the UISD system.

He added that the Early College programs were expanding, which is increasing the number of students who may be eligible to enter them.

“We have a commitment at UISD to ensure that students as well as parents have the best learning experience,” he said. “I ask the community to look for details about virtual registration and the launch of the new virtual program.”

Rebecca Coss-Morales, associate superintendent for district administration and student services with UISD, said the virtual program is not something that started a few weeks ago but rather something they have been working on since the legislative session ended in the summer.

“In addition to the great opportunities that UISD already offers its students, we wanted to offer options that are available, especially with online learning, although we know it is not for everyone,” she said.

Coss-Morales said COVID taught a lot, especially regarding online learning.

“We will be sharing information about what the program offers, which students can benefit from it, and ensuring that current UISD students can remain with us and have the opportunity for a hybrid program or that homeschool parents have the opportunity to participate in these programs,” she said.

Aliza Flores Oliveros, vice president of the UISD Board of Trustees, congratulated the district for embracing these innovative programs and believed it was the first district in the community to offer these options to students.

UISD Board of Trustees member representing District 6, Michelle Molina, said she was excited the district was thinking outside the box and being innovative.

“We are leading Laredo, Webb County and the region with this program, United ConnectEd,” she said. “Technology is a big part of it, and this is going to be a teacher-led, technology-supported program. I congratulate everyone involved for thinking outside the box, creating the revenue we need but above all, for creating the opportunities our students need and deserve.”

Coss-Morales said the United ConnectEd program will help with enrollment and is open to students in grades 9-12 in the state of Texas.

“This is our pilot program, and we will expand to other grade levels in the future,” she said. “It’s mainly about expanding the opportunities we have. Families need that option with us, and we want to provide it.”

© 2026 the Laredo Morning Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.