Associated Press - September 5, 2009 12:04 PM ET

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - A dozen public high schools across the state have been plugged into a high-speed broadband connection as part of the Idaho Education Network this year.

Idaho lawmakers have put nearly $3 million in federal stimulus money toward building the network, which will eventually include all Idaho high schools.

The first 12 schools are in Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Cottonwood, Grangeville, Emmett, Weiser, Jerome, Shoshone, Montpelier, Dayton, Dubois and Salmon.

The Times-News reports schools in south-central Idaho say the online network will benefit the entire community, not just students.

For example, the high-speed broadband connection could allow police and firefighters to enroll in virtual classes online as part of their training.

Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com

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