Cash for N.C. high school online classes tapped out

RALEIGH

Surging enrollment in North Carolina's online class program for public high school students is creating a funding shortfall that means teens in 15 school districts have been blocked from signing up for spring classes.

The projected $3 million shortfall for the North Carolina Virtual Public School means those and other districts may have to tap local money if they want students to take the free classes.

The virtual school receives $20 million for its budget, which is divided among school systems based on previous enrollment. Teachers are paid to teach online courses that often are hard to find in districts or don't fit a student's schedule.

Officials expect more than 28,000 students in the spring - 3,000 more than originally forecast.