The board approved, 6-0, with Kathy Baragary absent, Superintendent Randy Weseman’s recommendation to begin a virtual school starting with the 2012-13 school year. Enrollment could begin as early as April, Weseman said at Monday’s board meeting.

“This is the way for us to get into the virtual school business because that’s the way the world’s going, folks,” Weseman told the school board.

Weseman said there are 30 to 40 students currently in the district who are attending virtual schools through other districts.

Tonganoxie would receive base state aid for virtual school students. The district must undergo a certification process through the Kansas Department of Education. Upon certification, the district would partner with Greenbush Educational Services for the virtual school. Greenbush would handle hiring of any administration and teachers for the school as Tonganoxie as Greenbush provides shared services to several districts. Faculty costs would be covered through state aid for those students, Weseman said.

“In my opinion, it’s a cost effective way to deliver more options to our patrons,” Weseman said Tuesday.

The virtual school will be available to students in sixth through 12th grades, with plans to eventually opening it to grades K-12. Offerings planned are language arts, math, science, social studies, advanced placement, general electives, technology, engineering digital arts and business. The school eventually could be open to adults and for dropout retention, Weseman said.

The school will allow for students to participate in Tonganoxie middle and high school extra-curricular activities and customize online coursework. Students also will have the opportunity for ACT/SAT prep work, as well as the opportunity to receive college credit from partnering colleges. Expelled or suspended students would be able to continue coursework through the virtual school also.

Board approves roof replacement, security upgrades

The board approved improvements to two Tonganoxie High School east campus roof sections.

The board approved, 6-0, the low bid of Delta Roofing for $468,294. The district has received $22,000 in insurance compensation for wind and lightning damage to the roof. The two sections are on the south end in east to west sections and half of the gymnasium roof. Work will be done during the summer.

The board also approved, 6-0, building security upgrades for $18,902. Some buildings have been equipped with wireless reader interfaces, but the majority of buildings have not, Weseman said.

The new system allows employees and other authorized personnel accessibility to district facilities on an “as needed” basis. Key cards are programmed to control specific building access and time of access, Weseman said. Changing to universal key cards will eliminate the use of nearly all keys, Weseman said.

Resignations and hirings

The board approved, 6-0, resignations and hirings at Monday’s meeting.

Stacy McElderry resigned as middle school head cheerleading coach and was hired as high school head cheerleading coach. Tiffany Parker resigned as high school assistant volleyball coach and was hired as head coach.

Other resignations: Holly Currie as TMS seventh-grade language arts and Tracey Waldeier as THS assistant cheerleading coach.

Additional hirings: Mary Bartels as TMS head cheerleading coach; Susan Kuzmic as THS assistant softball coach; and Stephanie Wittman as THS assistant softball coach.

In other business the board:

• Approved board policy J, 6-0

• Approved a technology summer plan, 6-0.

• Approved 2012-13 course offerings, 6-0.

• Met in executive session for 30 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Weseman joined the board for the full session.