The Moon Area school board is going to form a committee to look for ways to enhance the district's academic offerings, looking at items such as online classes to alternating schedules to a project-based curriculum.

After hearing reports Monday night on offerings at competing schools and surveys of Moon parents opting for charter schools, the board members engaged in a passionate discussion of educational possibilities.

Most agreed with the idea of expanding online offerings, though there was less certainty about programs that would either let students go fully cyber while staying in the district or with hybrid versions where students come to school only for certain classes.

There was also debate on going from the current seven-period day to an eight-period day to allow for more electives -- though board member Nick Pollock actually advocated having fewer periods with project-based classes integrating several subjects. Board President Mark Scappe raised the idea of having different schedules on different days to create more flexibility.

Another potential focus could be the performing arts, taking advantage of the theater in the new high school that will open in January. Last year, 22 Moon children went to the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, and the district would like to lure those children back.

"In general, we have to compete," Mr. Pollock said.

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