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South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—August 14, 2014 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) G. Other (1) Economic Development Update commitment. Mr. Ford responded that EDIT would be an eligible funding source and it might make sense to use that next year, but for the schools that want the program to begin this year, funding was more urgent than could be met by EDIT. Mr. Varner wanted to point out that the South Bend School Corporation (SBCSC) has its own funding source, including for capital expenses. He doesn't want to see Redevelopment fund the school corporation ongoing. There's pressure everywhere on budgets, but we all have to set priorities. However, he will support this request. Mr. Downes said that he believes this is the very definition of partnership. He asked if this is a dollar for dollar matching deal, does Dr. Schmidt expect the school board will live up to this commitment over the next three years? Dr. Schmidt affirmed. The board has been supportive since it was first presented to them. Mr. Downes noted that when TIF was created, it was a long time ago. The infrastructure of yesterday and the infrastructure of tomorrow are two different things. He thinks the community needs to be forward thinking. Mr. Downes also noted when you look at the results they've had in other communities with PLTW there is the significant impact they've had on the number of females taking these technology jobs. Up to now fewer than 10% of females in communities that didn't have this program got into those technology jobs, and they've raised that to approximately 35%-40% when this program is used. That's an incredible success story. Mr. Inks asked for more detail on the types of uses of the TIF funds in this program and the need for TIF money. Mr. Zeeb noted that part of the conversation with the school corporation is how we inject our funds and where they will be used. The matching portion of PLTW is really for teachers' training. So, what we're looking to do with TIF funds is give the kids the consumables they need, like robotic kits. The South Bend schools were additionally challenged in the technology infrastructure arena. That's why we felt it was a good partnership for TIF. Those robotic kits will last a specific period of time. That touches the question Mr. Varner asked about whether the school corporation will be able to continue this program in the future without the city's input. They will be. They are planning in their budgets for paying for those after our initial purchase. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the use of TIF funds to support Project Lead the Way financially and for three years and authorized staff to prepare a development agreement between the parties. 8