Dear Superintendents:

 

At last Thursday’s JOC meeting, County Executive Barry Grossman, along with Dr. Bob Oliver (special assistant to the County Executive) and Mr. Jim Dible (President of the Erie Regional Chamber), made an appeal to the JOC to change their in-kind contribution to include a community college sponsorship by the City of Erie School District.  As a whole, the committee did not take action on Mr. Grossman’s appeal.  Most committee members wanted additional time to talk with their ‘home school’ board members before making any commitment.  There appeared to be two sticking points for the JOC members:  a) the lack of the ‘local sponsor’ tuition advantage for county residents if the city school district sponsors the college, and b) no time to talk with home school board members about an in-kind contribution.

 

Mr. Grossman attempted to ‘sweeten the deal’ by offering seats on the community college’s board of trustees.  The two seats offered, of the proposed 15 member board, were the president of the JOC and the superintendent of record—as long as an in-kind contribution was in place.

 

There appeared to be interest, although limited, by some JOC members to talk with their boards about becoming a local sponsor.  A local district sponsorship would entitle district residents to receive the ‘local sponsor’ tuition advantage.  Mr. Grossman contended in his appeal that the college’s financial plan shows the college can operate for the first five years without local sponsorship funds (relying on gaming revenue and business/industry donations).

 

Mr. Grossman offered to send a ‘community college team’ to any district that needs information about the college, sponsorship or an in-kind contribution before the JOC meets again in November.  JOC members received his office telephone number.

 

Let me know if I can assist you in any way.

 

Aldo