With questions surrounding the ability to complete the restructuring of its high schools by next fall, the West Clermont Board of Education on Monday night approved the concepts for five specialized schools.

        Five more proposals will be presented at the next board meeting, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Glen Este High School.

        Board members asked that administrators and teachers produce more details soon about how the schools will be structured.

        “The parents are looking at the details, and we're not getting enough details out,” said board member John Gray. “That's something we need to address pretty quickly, or we'll end up shooting ourselves in the foot.”

        What's more, some board members questioned the ability to get the work done by August 2002, when restructured schools are scheduled to open.

        Superintendent Michael Ward asked the board to approve the first five concepts so work can continue on details to stay on track for August 2002.

        School board members also heard results of a telephone survey of parents and voters that revealed 78 percent gave high marks to restructuring once they heard more about the plan. But 50 percent of those surveyed hadn't even heard of the restructuring plan, including 42 percent of the parents surveyed.

        The district has responded by scheduling parent meetings on the fourth Tuesday of every month between now and January. It also plans more mailings and advertising.

        Don and Rhonda Brentlinger of Amelia felt better about the plans after they heard teachers explain the proposals. Their son is a sophomore taking honors classes at Amelia High School, and they're concerned about where he'll fit in.

        “There are a lot of details that need to be out there for us to see,” Mr. Brentlinger said.

        The five school concepts approved:

        • Math, Science and Technology Academy: This school is to help students develop the ability to test ideas and theories through the study of physics, chemistry and biological science, with an emphasis on medical, engineering and industrial technology.

        • School for Performing Arts: The school provides opportunities for students to develop their talents and interests in the performing arts. An outreach program provides increased opportunities to perform in the community and region.

        • School for International Studies: Students experience in-depth study of politics, languages, social changes, economic development and cultures of a variety of nations.

        • School for Scientific Studies: Students select the field of environmental science or biomedical science as an area of in-depth study.

        • The School of American Studies (School of Humanities and Liberal Arts): The school focuses on human development and interaction through global interaction, language, literature, current issues, American studies, and government service and law.

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