BEDFORD -- Bedford County became the first county in Western Virginia to start a virtual school using a Web-based curriculum.

But after the inaugural year of the program, school board members and the division's new superintendent are questioning its viability both fiscally and academically.

The program finished the year about $7,000 over budget and the same deficit is expected for the upcoming school year because of reductions in state funding, finance director Randy Hagler said.

When the board meets next month it may consider terminating the program.

A total of 44 students were enrolled at the end of the school year but only a dozen were county residents, said Big Island Elementary Principal Debbie Shelton, who administers the virtual school.

"I think the focus should be on the students of our own county," said Moneta District representative Dave Vaden.

In the spring of 2008 the board unanimously voted to begin a virtual school with the understanding an enrollment of 30 students was necessary to balance costs and revenues. Higher enrollment could result in a profit-generating program for the school division, which has experienced a decline in enrollment.

"We were told we would break even or maybe come out ahead ... so we are surprised," Vice Chairwoman Debbie Hoback said.

Shelton said six students did not pay the out-of-county $600 enrollment fee and four other students withdrew with balances owed.

Board members also expressed concerns about Shelton's time commitment potentially taking away from her duties as principal at Big Island and the Standards of Learning testing results.

Only 47 percent of the elementary school students passed the social studies test and 25 percent each passed the seventh grade math and social studies tests.

In other school board news, the board made three administrative personnel appointments:

n Cherie Whitehurst, principal at Liberty High School, will become the division's assistant superintendent. She is taking the place of Bobbi Johnson, who left at the end of June to become superintendent of schools in Culpeper County.

n Lisa Dellis will become principal at Bedford Elementary School.

n Kim Morris will become assistant principal at Forest Middle School.