Funding proposed for virtual schools
Students who attend virtual schools would be included in the state’s school aid formula under a bill heard by the Education Committee Feb. 8.
LB1049, introduced by Omaha Sen. Burke Harr, would define “virtual school” as any school or educational program that is offered for credit and uses primarily Internet-based distance learning technologies. Students in virtual schools would be required to make progress toward the next grade level, demonstrate understanding of subject matter in their classes and take state assessments.
A virtual student would be defined as any student enrolled in a virtual school and not in any other public school district.
The bill would count those students in their school district’s fall and average daily memberships so they are included when calculating state aid.
Harr said the bill would help Omaha Public Schools start a virtual school and added that many states have similar programs.
“Virtual schools are a new tool in educating all our children and they offer great promise and potential,” he said.
Connie Knoche, chief financial officer for Omaha Public Schools, testified in support of the bill. She said OPS plans to launch a virtual school for K-8 this fall and wants to ensure virtual students are included in state aid calculations to cover the program’s cost. OPS hopes to enroll approximately 100 students in the virtual school, Knoche said, adding that the program would be popular with homeschoolers and students whose families travel frequently.
OPS would provide each student a computer and hire a principal, teachers, a counselor, a computer technician and an administrative assistant to staff the program, Knoche said. The school also would purchase curricular materials and provide space for virtual students to take state assessments. If the program succeeds, she said, OPS may expand it to the high school level.
“We think it’s a good way to move forward with our current education system,” Knoche said.
The committee took no immediate action on the bill.
