WASB told it could save money when sending students to for-profit schools online

They can take up to three classes at a time without special permission, Tritle said. They can take other classes in traditional classrooms at their home schools, he said.

Franklin Virtual Academy students earn diplomas through their home schools, such as Greencastle-Antrim High School. That district has offered the program for eight years.

Pennsylvania's 500 public-school districts are required to pay tuition for students whose families choose to send them to cyber charter schools. Tritle said the cost for one semester at a for-profit cyber school can start at $8,000 versus up to an estimated $2,775 for Franklin Virtual Academy.

Choosing to offer netbook computers to students would tack on extra costs, Tritle said.

Franklin Virtual Academy students can participate in their home schools' sports and clubs. Tritle said school officials are working to set up weekly walk-in tutoring sessions.

The Tuscarora School District, which is the fifth district wholly contained in Franklin County, decided to continue offering its own cyber school, Tritle said.

"We have some furloughed teachers. Can they participate as instructors?" Waynesboro board member Chris Lind asked.

They can, and Manito Inc. is acting as the manager of instructors, Tritle said.

Board member Firmadge Crutchfield asked for more data, specifically what he called "indirect costs" to maintain school facilities for students who are now working on computers. Franklin Virtual Academy students count toward a school's "average daily membership," which affects state funding.

Board member Sherry Cline said in her previous experience with cyber schooling, she needed to drive to Harrisburg, Pa., for events.

"It was definitely very independent," Cline said.

This program could have more support from a student's home school district, she said.