GILLETTE (AP) - Plans for a virtual school run by the school district here have been halted after state education officials said such a program wouldn't qualify for state funding.

Campbell County School District administrators continued to hold out hope, however, that the online program aimed at home-schooled students would become a reality this fall.

"It's just a setback, and we're hoping we can still make it work," said Assistant Superintendent Ed Weber.

The virtual school would supplement or replace traditional home-schooling for K-6 students. Students would take up to seven online classes, with their parents acting as instructional assistants. Certified teachers would also be involved.

But Mary Kay Hill, director of the administration unit at the Wyoming Department of Education, said much needs to be done before the state grants approval for any Wyoming school district to open a virtual school.

"There is an awful lot of disagreement as to what would constitute a virtual school and how you would guarantee that every student would receive an equal opportunity," she said.

"We are not even sure we have the authority to give permission for virtual schools."

Weber said he sent a letter to the state about two weeks ago with the district's plans to begin a virtual school this fall. When he didn't hear back, he said, he assumed the district had a green light to move forward with the school.

He found out differently when he called the department on Friday.

Weber said he was told that no rules and regulations for such schools were in place and that a virtual school therefore would not qualify for state funding.

Hill said a task force is investigating legal, financial and instructional issues associated with virtual schools. After that, the process might require the Legislature's involvement, she said.

Weber said the setback may push back the virtual school start date to late September or early October. Hill said that seemed overly optimistic.

"I would be personally surprised if that could work out," she said.