Chalk it up: ‘Virtual school’ proposal sent to governor

JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri lawmakers approved the creation of a new public school Tuesday that would link students to teachers and textbooks by the computer instead of a traditional classroom.

The “virtual school” would begin offering courses during the 2007-08 school year under legislation given final approval by a 136-20 House vote. The Senate passed the bill 31-0 last month, meaning it now goes to Gov. Matt Blunt.

A Blunt spokeswoman said Tuesday that he supports the concept but was still reviewing the bill.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which would oversee the virtual school, projects it to start small — with about 500 students and a $2.6 million cost the first year — then gradually grow.

Supporters envision an Internet-based school used by a variety of students. Students could enroll full time in the virtual school or take just a course or two.

“It’s not just the kid who wants to stay home and do nothing; it is an intensive program to try to reach those kids who have needs,” said Rep. Brian Baker, R-Belton, one of the bill sponsors.

It would be up to the education department, which supported the bill, to determine who can enroll in the virtual school, said deputy education commissioner Bert Schulte. The bill would require Missouri’s virtual school to meet the same standards as a typical school district.

House Minority Leader Jeff Harris fears the virtual school could become an avenue for out-of-state groups to get a foothold in Missouri.

“I just have this sinking feeling about this bill,” said Harris, D-Columbia, who voted against it. “There’s something here that makes me think that this is the type of bill that in five or six years we may regret having voted for.”