The North Allegheny school board is considering starting its own cyber charter school.

Roger Botti, the district's director of assets, transportation and technology, told the school board during a technology update Wednesday that he and his team will spend time this school year investigating the possibility of starting a cyber school.

At this point, the possibility is nothing more than an idea. But it's one that is "... very major, provocative and cutting edge," said Superintendent Patricia Green.

Dr. Green said the district is considering the move because of the success and popularity of cyber schools.

Also during the presentation, Mr. Botti said parents will be able to begin checking their children's grades and attendance online by the end of September.

Teachers have been using the eSembler Gradebook system for a year, Mr. Botti said. Having parents access the system is the second phase of a two-year implementation, he added.

Parents will hear more about the eSembler program during curriculum nights and open houses, said Linda Bishop, board president. In addition, the district will distribute brochures that offer a detailed explanation of the program, she added.

Parents should be able to log onto the eSembler system Sept. 29, Ms. Bishop said.

Also this year, the district will join the Regional Wide Area Network, an Allegheny Intermediate Unit initiative that will eventually join 41 school districts, four vo-tech schools and the Intermediate Unit, and will give districts up to 100 times more broadband capacity.

In addition to a variety of other improvements, North Allegheny will also distribute nearly 500 new desktop computers and 125 laptops; redesign its Web site; and install a new e-mail server, Mr. Botti said.