Staff writer
Enrollment higher than was expected in the Kansas Online Learning Program required the Centre school board to purchase more computers for the program. Fifty computers were purchased in June, but more were needed.
In a special meeting early Friday morning, the board approved the purchase of 60 new Dell Inspiron laptops from Best Buy for $19,800. Superintendent Brian Smith said KOLP coordinator Vickie Jirak negotiated for a price of $330 each, lower than from two other bidders. The money will come from the virtual school fund.
Jirak said enrollment has doubled from 90 in 2012-13 to a cap of 180 this year. Three new student learning advocates have been hired, bringing the total to 10. These certified teachers provide reinforcement for enrollees by making sure they are getting work done as scheduled and are completing their classes.