Students to get engineering jump-start (04/12/06)

FORT RECOVERY — Thirty middle and high school students are poised to get an early start on their college engineering careers with a new program next school year.

The Fort Recovery School Board voted Tuesday night to enter into an agreement with Project Lead The Way, Inc., a nationwide program designed to broaden engineering-education opportunities for high school students.

Though board members previously agreed to begin the program at the high school, superintendent David Riel explained this agreement is a formality that ensures that courses remain similar from school to school.

High school teacher Norman Leugers, who will serve as PLTW’s primary teacher, gave a presentation on the four-year program, which gives students the opportunity to take eight rigorous science and engineering courses in order to better prepare them for two- or four-year post-secondary engineering programs. Students can also earn college credit for some of the courses.

Leugers added that the program is heavily supported by universities that offer engineering programs, as many first-year students in college-level engineering programs do not enroll for a second year, largely because they have not been adequately prepared for the rigors of the course work.

High school principal Ed Snyder noted that many students post high math and science scores on standardized testing and may be up for the challenge of PLTW.

“This gives them the chance to delve a little deeper,” said Snyder.

Board president Dan Kahlig added that the courses would be beneficial for any student, regardless of his or her eventual career path.

“Even if you don’t go in to engineering, this is a great way to get those math and science skills,” he said.

Leugers admitted that there are still concerns about funding the program as kids enter the third and fourth years of instruction.

A $20,000 grant was available through PLTW to cover many start-up costs, and Leugers said Fort schools would likely be eligible for another grant for the 2007-2008 school year, but the school corporation would likely be responsible for all costs the third year.

“It does come with a large financial commitment,” said Leugers, citing a $4,000 annual software lease as one of the expenses.

Another concern is finding instructors for the advanced level courses, but Riel said there was the possibility that Fort schools could share facilities and resources with area schools to fulfill those needs.

“If we waited until we had all those answers, it would never get off the ground,” said Riel.

The board also voted to put off making a decision about entering into a contract with Fanning Howey for help in organizing a community debate about facility renovation.

The contract would have been for $15,000 with a possible 50 percent credit if the board decided to continue with a construction project.

Treasurer Lori Koch said that the agreement did not imply that Fanning Howey would be hired if the school board chose to move forward with a construction project.

The agreement promised input and consultation from the architectural firm to provide the community with price estimates before the board votes on whether or not to enter into a contract with the Ohio School Facility Commission.

In January, the board chose to opt out of a deal with OSFC that would supplement building costs on the construction and renovation of a new high school building, citing unease about lack of community input and a clear vision about the project.

Fort schools will have the opportunity to participate with the OSFC next January, and board members chose to engage in discussions with the community before the next vote.

Though some board members voiced unease about spending the money for a service that could conceivably be done without help from an outside source, Riel said he felt it would be difficult to get community support without the assistance an architect could provide.

“It would be a very difficult job for the person who facilitates this,” said Riel.

Koch echoed those sentiments.

“Eventually, the community is going to want solid numbers,” she said.

Board member Dan Jutte pointed out that by continuing discussions without the architects, money would be saved, which may cause community members to be more supportive.

“If we do this ourselves, we have ownership,” said Jutte. He went on to say that community support would be crucial if a tax increase to raise money for the project in the future became necessary.

Riel suggested that the board seek other options for consultations before moving forward.

“Until you five are on the same page, I don’t want to do anything,” he said.

In other business:

•Jutte gave a legislative report concerning the State Teachers Retirement System contribution rate.

According to the Ohio School Board Association, STRS has announced that it is unable to cover health care costs for retired educators and is proposing that employers and educators increase their contributions to pension benefits by 2.5 percent each.

Jutte said that if the legislation passes, it would cost the school system an additional $64,000 annually.

“Obviously, that is something we will have to plan for,” he said.

Koch said that while the OSBA opposes the increase, it will likely pass.

“If you look at the numbers, in order for the system to continue, it’s probably going to go through.”

•Riel presented a legal update on several bills that could affect the district, including a proposal which states that public entities, including school systems, cannot require administrators to live within the corporation limits.

Koch said it has been a preference of many school systems that its administrators live within the corporation limits, but can no longer be a reason to exempt a candidate from a position.

The Fort school board will confront this new regulation this summer as they search for a replacement for Snyder, who announced his retirement earlier this month.

•The board accepted the retirement of Snyder, effective August 1, and Evelyn Muhlenkamp, elementary school teacher, effective Sept. 1.[[In-content Ad]]