Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Foundation Formula Reports on the Web	School Administrators Conference
Virtual School Program

Dear School Administrator:

Even though it is only a couple of weeks old, it already feels as if the summer is receding rapidly.  I am making plans for late summer activities and already planning events that will occur after Labor Day.  I am sure you are pressed for time as well, but I hope you have some time to relax this summer. 

Here are a few important items for your information and use. 

FOUNDATION FORMULA REPORTS ON THE WEB

With the implementation of the new foundation formula, several reports, including the monthly payment transmittal, will be available through DESE’s Web-based application system.  These reports will also be available through the public Web site.

Staff using the Web-based applications system instead of the public site must have a user-id and password and authority to access those reports.  We ask that you complete and submit the DESE Web Systems User ID Request Form as soon as possible for the individuals needing access.   The option to select is “School Finance Reports/Pmt. Transmittal” under the Reports option.  Completed forms may be faxed to 573-526-4125.  There are two options included on the Security Form.

Specific information about using the new system will be available shortly.  If you have questions regarding the form or its intended use, please contact Gerri Ogle at 573-751-2587. 

SUMMER CONFERENCE FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

We are making final arrangements for the annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators, which will be held at Tan-Tar-A, July 30-August 1.  I think we have a full, varied and informative program.  We have important topics to talk about this year:  a new school-funding formula, the “4th cycle” of the Missouri School Improvement Program, high school reform, new state legislation – and improving student achievement.

We recently mailed confirmations to all school administrators who have pre-registered for the conference.  If you have not received a confirmation notice, you may call my office at 573-751-3563.  You may still pre-register online (until July 19) on the DESE Web site .  You also may download a registration form at this site to mail or fax to us.

We look forward to seeing you at the conference. 

PLANNING FOR THE “VIRTUAL SCHOOL” PROGRAM

The “virtual school” bill (Senate Bill 912) was signed June 12 by Governor Blunt; it becomes effective August 28.  This legislation requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a public virtual school, serving K-12, by July 1, 2007.  Many states have worked to establish some form of Internet-based virtual education program.  Missouri will build on the best established and developing models that we can identify nationally.

We have employed Dr. Curt Fuchs to serve as director of the virtual school program.  He is a veteran school administrator who served, until recently, as director of technology and media for the Columbia Public Schools.   One of his first initiatives will be to help create a Web page to provide information about the virtual school planning process.  Requests for provider proposals (invitations for bids) will be developed this fall and issued in January 2007.  Content providers selected through the IFB process will be in place and ready for the July 1, 2007, start-up date.

In theory, any school-age child (K-12) who lives in Missouri will be eligible to participate in the program.  Participation, however, will be limited by the amount of funds annually appropriated by the legislature. 

There was strong legislative support for this measure, and there is strong interest in this program across the state – and in other states.  We are receiving almost daily contacts from individuals and organizations who are involved with other virtual programs.  We will keep you informed about the preparations for launching Missouri’s virtual school.

Sincerely,

D. Kent King