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Centre dubbed 'the little school that could'

Health insurance premiums decrease by 3 percent

Staff writer

Officials at the National Network of Digital Schools, which designs, develops, and delivers Lincoln Interactive courses, has dubbed Centre USD 397 “the little school that could.”

Superintendent Jerri Kemble relayed that information to the board of education Monday. The board spent 45 minutes viewing a video and discussing the new Kansas Online Learning Program hosted by the district. It offers 250 online courses for kindergarten through 12th-grade students.

Created to show how the program works, the video was produced by technology coordinator Dusty Wiegert. It features Kemble and other personnel involved in operating the virtual program, as well as students involved in the program. Kemble said it would be used to acquaint interested parents with the program.

Board members quizzed Kemble and coordinator Vickie Jirak about various aspects of the program.

Kemble, Jirak, and student learning advocate Lisa Beye assured the board that the online learning program is a success and would not be a financial liability for the district. They said support from Lincoln Interactive has been great. Some students reportedly have dropped out or been terminated because of non-compliance while others have joined. At present, 14 students are enrolled.

Because of the online learning program, Centre increased its enrollment for the 2010-11 school year, the only district in the county to do so. The program is open to anyone living in Kansas. Jirak said inquiries are already coming in for enrollment in the 2011-12 school year.

“This has been a steep learning curve,” Kemble said. “We know what we are doing now.”

Beye said they plan to meet with parents and student enrollees at the beginning of the next school year to establish personal relationships and to provide computer training when necessary.

Kemble distributed copies of an article by Ben Kleine, “Online classes open doors for Centre students,” published in the Feb. 23, 2011 issue of the Marion County Record.

Brandi Hendrix, executive director of the Technology Excellence in Education Network, presented a video showing what TEEN does and how it is supported financially. The TEEN network connects four school districts in Marion County plus Herington school district to provide interactive distance learning for students and in-service technology training for teachers.

The board renewed a Blue Cross/Blue Shield health plan covering May 1 to April 30, 2012. Premiums will decrease approximately 3 percent.

The board approved a resolution to proceed with the refinancing of the district’s bond issue. The re-issue will not exceed $545,000, with an average interest rate of 2.73 percent. The reduced interest rate will save the district $34,000 over the life of the loan, which is scheduled to be paid off in 2018.

Other actions include:

  • Acceptance of Lynley Remy’s resignation as co-director of plays.
  • Approval of a $4,800 contract with Clubine and Rettele for 2010-11 fiscal year audit services.
  • Employment of Kelly Steiner as the assistant high school track coach and as drivers’ education instructor.
  • Adoption of the amended general fund budget of $2,380,320 and virtual fund budget of $118,791. A hearing on the amended budgets was conducted at the beginning of the meeting.

The board met in executive session with Kemble for one hour and 10 minutes to discuss matters related to non-elected personnel.

Kemble reported in open session that she has received official word from the state to plan on a $22 reduction in state aid per pupil in the current school year and a $75 reduction in 2011-12.

An interest-based bargaining session between the board and certified staff has been set for May 17.

Kemble announced a bus route meeting would be at 6 p.m. Monday at Ramona Senior Center.

Due to a scheduling conflict, the board will meet a week earlier than normal in April. The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. April 4.

Last modified March 17, 2011

 

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