Laserfiche WebLink
!l 11 <br />\11~ <br />INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE February 12, 2009 <br />Committee Members Present: David Varner, Chairperson; Henry Davis; Tom <br />LaFountain; Al "Buddy" Kirsits <br />Other Council Members Present: Oliver Davis; Karen White; Derek Dieter; Timothy <br />Rouse; Ann Puzzello <br />Other's Present: Rich Hill; Randy Rompola; Martha Lewis; Mark Dobson; Chuck <br />Leone; Phil Damico; Chuck Bulot; Daniel Jones; Rita Kopala; Carol Davis; Beth <br />Leonard; Becky Drury <br />Council President Derek Dieter introduced IT Committee Chairperson David Varner who <br />welcomed all attending then recognized SBCSC superintendent James Kapsa who <br />proceeded to provide a summary handout as he walked the Council through the <br />information provided page by page. <br />Superintendent Kapsa explained a majority of the school board supported the creation of <br />a high tech high school in South Bend. He said the Board investigated 6 such schools in <br />Indiana and traveled to California to evaluate a school in operation. He said 41 high tech <br />high schools operate nationwide. The school board by a vote of 5-2 voted to move <br />forward hoping to open a tech school by August 2009. This type of school is seen as one <br />that would prepare tomorrow's work force, attract business, and improve graduation <br />rates. The start-up would begin with 100 students. Opening the informational session for <br />questions, Superintendent Kapsa was asked by Tom LaFountain what type of student <br />would the facility attract. Kapsa said it was not a gifted/talented program; but a pool <br />reflecting the diversity of the student population. President Dieter asked Kapsa to further <br />explain. Kapsa said the particulars were yet to be determined. Tim Rouse asked how the <br />program would differ from the "Crossings." The response was differences in curriculum. <br />