Board OKs virtual learning program

Iola High School will have a virtual learning program for the 2015-16 school year.
The board approved a one-year contract with the Greenbush Virtual School Program. Greenbush is an education service center based in Girard.
USD 257 currently has an alternative school, Crossroads, an on-site facility from which students can earn a high school diploma.
“We have been losing kids to schools that have other virtual programs,” Superintendent of Schools Jack Koehn said Monday night at the USD 257 board meeting.
Virtual learning allows 50 percent of class work to be completed off site, allowing for a more flexible schedule for students. The program is for grades 9-12 and could be offered to adults. Students would still be able to earn their high school diploma through Iola.
Greenbush will provide the computers and train the teachers. The district will provide the administrator and site. Cost is $3,500 a student. State funding is $5,000 per student for such programs.
“I’m not completely sold on virtual programs, but it’s a step we are forced to play,” Koehn said. “I’m not going to say the education is the same as it is in a classroom.”
The contract with Greenbush will be for only a one-year commitment. Koehn pointed out that if the district likes the virtual program it could create its own in the future.

A BAND assistant position has been created.
The Iola band program has experienced a large growth in the last few years. It has grown so quickly that Matt Kleopher, band instructor for high school and middle school bands, gave up his planning period this year to accommodate student needs.
“An assistant has been in my ear for awhile from the community, parents and Mr. Kleopher,” Koehn said.
The IMS band is expected to have about 100 students participate in the 2015-16 year. Currently high school students are acting as teacher’s aids to help instruct the large middle school classes while Kleopher works with individuals.
The board unanimously approved the creation of the position.

SIX BUSES need replacing in the district over the next five years. Buses are allowed to be in service for only 25 years. Scott Stanley, director of maintenance and operations, presented bids to the board for one new bus. He advised the board to wait until later in the fiscal year to purchase a second one for budget reasons. The board approved the purchase of one new bus for $81,803.
The board approved the resignations of Kendra Goddard as second grade teacher, Hadassah Higgason, Stacie Smail and Pam Gentry as paraprofessionals and Darci Lisher as fourth grade teacher. They also approved the separation of employment from Joe Gagne.
The board approved the hiring of David Cunningham as seventh grade science teacher, Reine Loflin as eighth grade math teacher, Sarah Baldwin as Iola Middle School bookkeeper, Scott Crenshaw as assistant high school principal and Stephanie Bycroft as Jefferson Elementary School secretary.
A one-year contract was signed with OPAA Food Service Management. The district used OPAA for the 2014-15 school year.