“For the lab, it would have two uses. One would be for testing, and one for ninth-graders,” Assistant Principal Jim Melia said.

According to Melia, funding for the computer lab will come from the state and district monies.

“It’s a district mandate, so it’s district paid,” he said.

Melia added that placing the lab in a portable rather than in an existing classroom makes more sense for the district.

“It’s cheaper and with the money we save, we could put some security on it,” he said.

Middle-schoolers seem optimistic about an opportunity to complete their online qualification in school.

“It’s good,” seventh-grader Courtney V. said. “Now you’re not just using up another classroom that could be used at different times.”

A conflict could arise, however, as students finish the online coursework before the end of the year, leaving them with nothing to do.

“What are they going to do if they finish early?” Melia asked. “That’s something we have to think about.”

The new portable, which is slated to occupy the sport where Portable 2 now stands, will be move to the campus and outfitted during the summer so that it will be ready for the 2012-13 school year.

By Natalie Brown

Editor’s note: Brevard Public Schools policy prohibits the use of middle-schoolers’ last names on school-based websites.