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Newport board highlights steep costs for students in outside cyber programs, plans joint outreach
Summary
District officials reported 108 students enrolled in outside cyber programs costing about $200,000 per month and pledged to coordinate with county superintendents and state officials to press for fairer funding and transparency.
Board finance staff told the Newport Board of School Directors that the district is paying roughly $200,000 per month for 108 students enrolled in outside cyber programs: 72 regular-education placements at about $15,673 per student and 36 special-education placements at about $32,646 per student. By contrast, district officials said educating a full-time student in-house costs roughly $3,000–$5,000.
Director of Finance and Operations Jamison Magaro presented the initial figures and Superintendent Ryan Neuhard said he will meet with 25 local superintendents and raise the issue at state-level superintendent meetings to seek coordinated action. Board Vice President Patrick Shull urged that the district publicize the cost differential on the district website and in the local paper to inform taxpayers; other board members agreed.
No formal vote was taken—the board directed staff to pursue outreach and coordination. Officials characterized the issue as a state-level policy and funding problem rather than a dispute with individual students or families.
Why it matters: large per-student payments to outside cyber providers increase district expenditures and may affect local budgets and priorities. Administration said it will pursue joint county-level messaging and discuss the matter with legislators at upcoming meetings.
