JC Schools Board discusses virtual learning update

November 10, 2020 at 6:05 a.m. | Updated November 10, 2020 at 3:06 p.m.

by Layne Stracener

In this March 24, 2020, photo provided by Christina Rothermel Branham, is her son James, doing school work at their Tahlequah, Oklahoma home. Branham, a psychology and counseling professor at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, said she is going to attempt virtual learning through her local school district for her son. But she plans to switch to a homeschooling curriculum of her choosing if it isn't going well after about a month, noting that the virtual learning she oversaw in the spring was "very monotonous." "If there is a lot of stress between the two of us it is probably going to get him pulled out," she said. (Christina Rothermel Branham via AP)
In this March 24, 2020, photo provided by Christina Rothermel Branham, is her son James, doing school work at their Tahlequah, Oklahoma home. Branham, a psychology and counseling professor at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, said she is going to attempt virtual learning through her local school district for her son. But she plans to switch to a homeschooling curriculum of her choosing if it isn't going well after about a month, noting that the virtual learning she oversaw in the spring was "very monotonous." "If there is a lot of stress between the two of us it is probably going to get him pulled out," she said. (Christina Rothermel Branham via AP)

At Monday's meeting, the Jefferson City School District Board of Education discussed a virtual learning update and approved budget amendments and five contracts.

Four hundred forty-six virtual students transitioned to in-seat learning this year, Chief of Learning Shelby Scarbrough said. The district currently has 939 students in virtual learning.

Originally, the district was only going to give a 14-day window for allowing virtual students to switch to in-seat instruction, but administration decided to allow students to go back in seat because they wanted to give them the best opportunities for success, Scarbrough said.

The district is considering creating its own virtual learning program with the goal of it being ready by next school year, Scarbrough said.

The budget amendment includes a $300,000 decrease for the foundation formula estimate because it was less than expected, Chief Financial Officer Jason Hoffman said. The foundation formula is the major source of basic state support to public schools.

The contracts include roof replacement at the southwest annex of the maintenance building for $44,968 by Martin Roofing; roof replacement at Southwest Early Childhood Center for $399,070 by Weathercraft; roof replacement at the Weber Building for $94,987 by Weathercraft; Lafayette Street entrance repairs at Jefferson City High School for $28,431 by Don Schnieders Excavating; and Navitas Technical Energy Audit Agreements at no cost.

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