By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks says he expects about 50 to 75 students to attend the first year of the new virtual school in the fall.
“We have 30 students in the process of enrolling at the virtual school,” Folks said. “I think those numbers are solid.”
Folks added that the district has about 150 high school students that are finishing out the year remotely that may still choose the virtual school next year and another 121 in grades K-6. Folks says he expects most, but not all, to attend class in-person.
Four county school districts will now offer a virtual school for district and area students. Folks says the goal of the district is to serve local students and said it's not about competing with the other virtual schools.
“I think first and foremost we want to make sure that we’re meeting the individual needs of our students here in 308,” Folks said. “That doesn’t mean if there are students outside of 308 that could benefit, they are welcome to enroll. Our goal is not to be in competition with the other virtual programs.”
While students from outside the district are welcome, it does not provide the opportunity for extracurricular activities. If virtual students want to play sports or do other activities at the high school, they will need to attend at least one class in-person.
“If you enroll in the virtual school and you want to participate in extracurricular activities, you’re going to have to take one class at Hutch High,” Folks said. “The other thing we have found out is only students that reside in the district that are enrolled in the virtual school have that option.”
Folks noted the number of students that will attend alternative school will also increase next year to about 75 students.
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