Warren County College Task Force and Sinclair Communtiy College
2001-2003
Area Progress Council formed The College Task Force (CTF) at the request of the county's public educational community to investigate whether Warren County would benefit from a college or community college. Warren County was ranked 6 th last of the 88 counties in Ohio and Ohio ranked about 40 th in the nation in terms of adults aged 18-39 who had attended college. The CTF arranged for a county wide survey regarding the availability of higher education in the county. Based on Survey results, efforts began to bring higher education to the residents. The committee arranged a meeting with all of the neighboring institutions to discuss providing programs.
2003-2005 Community College of Warren County (CCWC)
After two years of intense effort APC's CTF successfully completed its mission and formally disbanded December 18, 2005 when the Community College of Warren County Board of Trustees were sworn in. Members of the Board were George Terwilleger, Stephen P. Foley, Sr. and Cindy Garland (appointed by Governor Taft) along with James Baldwin, Marilyn Bashford, Mike Geygan, Brad Knapp, William B. Russell and Barney Wright (appointed by the County Commissioners ). Provisions for the 2 year pilot program were included in the 2003 Ohio budget and the CCWC began providing classes at the Warren County Career Center(WCCC). At the conclusion of the pilot period, it was apparent that there was demand from Warren County residents for classes if they were available closer to home. The CCWC Board determined that Sinclair Community College could best meet the needs of Warren County residents and businesses.
2006
By an Act of Ohio Legislators, Sinclair Community College's service area was expanded to include Warren County. That same year Sinclair added two directors to represent Warren County, on of which was Barney Wright, VP Lebanon Citizens National Bank and long time APC Board member.
2006-2007
Classes continued at the WCCC provided by Sinclair Community College, Miami University-Middletown and Cincinnati State. Sinclair began a search for a suitable location for a bricks and motar Warren County campus - over 75 sites were evaluated.
2007
February 19, 2007 - The ground breaking ceremoney for the new Sinclair Community College was held on a very cold and icy morning at a location on Courseview Drive in Mason (visable from I-71). Decision were made on which courses would provide the best value to the community. Recruitment for the first students started.
September 5, 2007 - The campus opened with 367 students enrolled in 47 classes.
September 7, 2007 - Ribbon Cutting and Welcome to the community.
Area Progress Council believes that college level courses offered locally will have a huge positive impact on the quality of life for our residents and will significantly enhance job attaction and retention in Warren County.
APC POSITION: Strong Support
CONTACT: Mike Geygan, (513)932-4222
Project Excellence
A $1,000,000 endowment raised by businesses and individuals that gives public educators cash awards from the earnings, as a thank you for enriching the youth of the community. As of May 2008 $353,500.00 has been awarded to 499 public school educators. The nomination process begins late January.
The 2009 Recognition Banquet will be May 4, 2009.
APC POSITION: Support
CONTACT: Bill Thornton (513)265-0450; wgthornton@netzero.net
or Arla Tannehill, (513)932-8228; apcpe@OhioInfo.org
Project Excellence Teachers' Academy
The Teachers' Academy consists of Project Excellence recipients. Each fall the pervious years' recipients are asked to take a "field trip" to Columbus to meet and converse with state officials. The trip is designed to get the teachers out of the class and in-touch with their voice in Columbus . This year's Columbus Excursion will be November 18, 2008
Comments from last year's trip - 2007 Teacher Comments
APC POSITION: Support
CONTACT: Arla Tannehill, (513)932-8228; apcpe@OhioInfo.org
Alterative model for School Funding/Disbursement
APC continues to study the feasibility restructuring the system. Funding model developed by Richard Gardner, Treasurer, Mason School District was presented to representatives of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, Ohio Manufacturers' Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, Representatives Tom Raga and Michelle Schneider, Senator Bob Schuler, all county public school superintendents and treasurers. Current data from county districts was entered in the formula. The model is now being examined by Governor Taft's Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding.
APC POSITION: Interested party.
CONTACT: Walt Davis
APC/Superintendents' Meetings
APC Board members, Project Excellence Board members and public school superintendents meet every even month to share thoughts and ideas on varied topics including, school funding, lining with educational opportunities for continuing education post high school.
APC POSITION: Support
CONTACT: Arla Tannehill, (513)932-8228; apcpe@OhioInfo.org
Warren County Education College Access Network - WECAN
2005 WECAN was established in Warren County.
2007 We now have additional advisors in Little Miami High School, Lebanon High School, Kings High School and the Warren County Career Center.
OCAN is a statewide program to provide assistance to help as many Ohio students as possible pursue post-secondary education . It also provides continuing assistance to access existing scholarships.
Go to: www.ohiocan.org to learn more.
APC POSITION: Support
CONTACT: Bill Thornton, (513) 265-0450; wgthornton@netzero.net |
