Polish said in 2009 about 150 students left the district for other online or charter schools.

The administration hopes the online courses will help bring back some of those former students who still want to study online, Polish said.

“Unlike other online or charter programs, these kids will be able to participate in athletics, clubs, band, choir, and they’ll receive their high-school diploma from Austintown Fitch,” she said. “Those are pluses they don’t get the opportunity to have when they leave.”

Colaluca said in approving the new initiative, the school board has a growing vision for the future of the district.

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