(a)(1) Before the 2016-2017 school year, each local board of education shall adopt a policy providing, at a minimum, a virtual education option for eligible students in grades nine to 12, inclusive, beginning with that school year.
(2) Any virtual school operating in this state that provides educational services to public school students shall comply with this chapter.
(b) The policy adopted by the local board of education pursuant to this chapter shall govern the virtual school program offered by the local board of education. The policy shall offer students in grades nine to 12, inclusive, an online pathway for earning a high school diploma and, at a minimum, shall include all of the following:
(1) The scope and delivery of virtual options.
(2) Student eligibility criteria for initial and continuing participation in the virtual program.
(3) Specific requirements for monitoring performance and testing protocol consistent with this chapter.
(4) Attendance requirements, if any.
(c) A local board of education shall not be required to utilize a state program or vendor for the provision of virtual school options.
(d) For the purposes of this chapter, a dependent of a member of the United States Armed Forces who has received orders to relocate to this state shall be considered a resident of this state and the applicable local school system.