By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Official enrollment figures at Centre schools, released Sept. 20, show a full-time equivalency on-site enrollment of 213.5, a decline of 15.5 from last year. However, enrollment in the online program has increased by 106, to 275.4, bringing total enrollment to 496. On-site enrollment in 2010-11 was 268.5.

The establishment of the Kansas Online Learning Program in 2011-12, with 81.8 virtual students, has made up for continued decline in onsite enrollment.

The school board approved a property and casualty insurance premium of $55,630 on Monday. It reflects almost a $1,500 increase from the previous year.

Superintendent Brian Smith said he talked to other superintendents in the area, and they told him the increase was small compared to their districts.

Much of the meeting was spent in executive session to discuss personnel, school security, and student matters.

In open session, the board authorized transportation director Bob Mueller to solicit bids on a 14-passenger activity bus with the trade of a 53-passenger bus.

Centre FFA officers received permission for a ski trip to Colorado on March 15 to 18 as an incentive to members to be more active in the organization. Members would be required to sell 50 fruit items and earn at least 30 points for participation in activities to qualify for the trip. The district will provide vehicles, and the FFA chapter and members will pay expenses.

Mark Heiser was appointed chief negotiator with teachers, and Jeff Bina, Terry Deines, and possibly Rich Basore will serve as assistants.

Angela Basore was hired to replace Laura Klenda as mentor to Cherie Trieb.

Smith reported this week is anti-bullying week. Counselor Jill Day is reading relative books in elementary school classrooms.

The board will have a retreat from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7 in Tampa.