By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

According to superintendent Brian Smith, enrollment in Centre’s Kansas Online Learning Program has now topped 300. Individuals have until Sept. 19 to enroll.

The board approved a list of 18 student learning advocates for the program’s upcoming year. The SLAs are licensed teachers, several from outside the school district, who work with students, answering questions and monitoring their progress. SLAs can monitor anywhere from 10 to 50 students, depending on their time. Some are retired teachers who have spare time. Some are active teachers and are assigned to 10 students or fewer. SLAs receive $250 per student and are paid in two installments during the school year.

“New windows”

New windows were installed during the past year in the west wing of the original school building at Centre. There now are no windows that open in that section.

Custodial manager Richard Idleman told board members Monday that someone had questioned whether having no opening windows violates state code.

Idleman said he contacted the state fire marshal, who told him the school was in compliance as long as rooms had open doors providing quick exit. Idleman also contacted several school districts in the area that recently built new schools and learned that the new facilities did not have windows that open.

Not having windows that open is in the interest of increased security.

“Internet problems”

Technology director Andrew Linville reported on problems the school is incurring with Internet overload and slowdown. He talked about solutions to the problems, including installation of a new switch and more access points.

He also said more security cameras were needed at the shop building and more iPads were needed for elementary and virtual school students because of enrollment increases.

After his presentation, the board approved the purchase of 15 iPad Airs and cases from Apple for $7,880. They also approved purchase of 10 more laptop computers for the online learning program.

In other business:

• The board approved the attendance of exchange student Michelle van Leeuwen of the Netherlands for the 2014-15 school year.
• Steve Jirak was appointed as the board’s delegate to the Kansas Association of School Boards’ state convention Dec. 5-7 in Overland Park.
• The board employed Jose Espinoza of Lincolnville as the junior high school girls’ track coach.
• Teacher Ashley Courier was employed as concessions manager at $12 per hour.