During Monday night's meeting at Northwest High School, board members discussed the pros and cons of leasing laptops versus desktop computers and buying locally versus purchasing machines through a national company. Local bids will be gathered by March 1 so the members can further discuss their options at the next full board meeting.

The group also accepted the retirements of three teachers and approved 16 option enrollment requests with no discussion. They also approved goals set at a recent board retreat, including improvements to various buildings and parking lots. The goals will be included in next year's retreat packets for assessment.

Superintendent Bill Mowinkle gave a brief report on two legislative bills that could affect the school, neither of which have made it out of committee at this time. One of the bills would change the statewide system for assessment and reporting of student learning and the other involves option enrollment.

State aid is also increasing. An increase of more than $900,000 is tentatively set and the state's appropriations committee is recommending the increase be approved, he said.

"This is good news," Mowinkle said.

The board also decided to have the building committee meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 to discuss parking lot bids.

After the short public meeting Monday, the board went into closed session to discuss some personnel issues.