The Alabama State Board of Education is taking a closer look at virtual public schools, including student outcomes and accountability. Today, I lead ALVA, a tuition-free virtual public school and a program of Eufaula City Schools. Virtual public schools are one of those options. Melanie Barkley is Executive Director and Chief Administrator of Alabama Virtual Academy, a tuition-free, full-time virtual public school serving students across Alabama. She has served Alabama public education since 1998 as a teacher, reading specialist, principal, and district administrator.