The South Central School Board was told Wednesday night a new program is allowing 40 students to take Spanish online this year since the district no longer has a Spanish teacher. Superintendent Sara Rose says so far, the program is working well.
“Now we are using the Illinois Virtual Academy for our students to take courses in Spanish 1, 2, and 3,” Rose said. “It is proctored, and we currently have 40 students enrolled. This is something we look forward to. It is something affordable for us and a way to offer opportunities for students that we couldn’t offer without that licensed teacher.”
Rose hopes the online program can be expanded in the future to make other classes available not currently offered in the district. She says the cost is $300 per student but she expects 80% reimbursement from the state.
Rose also reports other programs are also being used to expand student offerings.
“We have students that are taking part in OKAW, we have KC, some of the KC trades programs as well as their academic programs, and we have work programs. Right now what we’re seeing is that our kids have tripled in numbers from previous years who are attending these. We find it first as a cost savings for families who have students going to college, but also a challenge for students who need more academic challenges in their day.”
Rose says the district is picking up the entire cost of the KC online classes that offer dual credit. In addition, South Central teachers have also expanded the number of dual credit classes they can teach.
Enrollment in the district at the start of the school year is 550 plus 23 pre-kindergarten students. The grade school has 240 students, up 13 from last year. Middle school enrollment is at 136, about the same as last year. High school enrollment has increased ten students to 171.
New HUDL cameras have been installed that will offer free viewing of sports and other programs in the high school and middle school gyms. A portable camera will be used for outdoor sports. In the past, the district used a program where those wanting to watch had to pay a fee.
The board approved its tentative budget which shows all funds in the black. The district will receive $40,000 more in general state aid and $81,000 more in corporate personal income tax for the current school year.
The leadership of the South Central FFA chapter outlined their achievements over the past year. The chapter had more than 60 members, more than 70 activities, over 4,500 miles traveled, with Advisor TJ Bolin putting in more than 500 hours outside his normal contract.
