Sarasota News Leader
November 2, 2012
(VIP) approved by the School Board. K12 Flor- ida provides the district with online learning services for students in grades K-12; Florida Virtual School serves students in grades nine- 12.
High school students have the option of using either of the two VIPs to meet their specific needs.
The school uses a state-approved curriculum with instructional materials that include text books and a variety of printed materials. Com- puters may be provided at no charge to eligi- ble students who meet family income require- ments, the district news release points out.
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Comcast Cable also offers an affordable pro- gram, www.internetessentials.com, for Inter- net access. "Instructors are highly qualified and/or certified teachers, as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind law," the news release says.
For more information, visit the other provid- ers' websites — www.k12.com/flvp (grades K-12) and www.flvsft.com (grades nine-12).
Parents of eligible students who are interested in the virtual school option must schedule an appointment with the Sarasota Virtual School administrator to discuss their student's needs. The office may be reached at 927-9000, ext. 32289, or via email at SVS@sarasota.k12.fl.us.
PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT ADDS PROFESSIONAL STAFF
The Sarasota County Procurement Depart- ment is improving the quality of its operations and services through professional staff with extensive local government procurement ex- perience, a county news release says.
"In addition to strengthening the staff, the Procurement Department has significantly revised procurement practices, adopted new ethical policies, expanded solicitation meth- ods and improved vendor relations," the re- lease says.
Peter Boers, who brings 15 years of procure- ment experience to Sarasota County, manages bids for construction and architectural ser- vices. He is a Certified Purchasing Manager and a Certified Professional Public Buyer, the release points out.
Boers also is a member of the Institute for Supply Management, the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and the Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers, the release adds.
Boers came to Sarasota County from Fort My- ers Beach, where he managed contracts and grants, according to the release. He previous- ly was a contract specialist for Cape Coral, where he implemented and administered a procurement card program and coordinated all procurement functions.
Boers also managed procurement operations and processes at Guilford Technical Commu- nity College in High Point, NC, and Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.
Keith Raney, who is a procurement analyst for Sarasota County, had 10 years of public
