HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-26-09 New Tech High School Project
South Bend Common Council
NEWS RELEASE
February 26 , 2009, 12 Noon
New Tech High School Project
Contact: Derek D. Dieter, Council President 532-2200 or 235-5982
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Dr. David Varner, 5 District Council Member 360-6650
On February 10, 2009, a New Release was issued regarding the lack of any details being shared with the
South Bend Common Council on a proposed New Tech High School. That News Release followed a meeting
of the School Board where the news media report that the Board voted to “…move toward the
implementation of the new tech program for the fall of 2009”. The School Board’s motion was further
“contingent upon outside financial sources…to fund the first year expenses of $2,754,240”. As a result, the
Council’s Information and Technology Committee called a public meeting on February 12th, which was the
earliest that a committee meeting could be called under the Indiana Open Door Law. South Bend Community
School Superintendent James M. Kapsa presented preliminary information at that time. We believe that this
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was a good 1 step, but far more public discussion is needed before the concept is pursued further.
Since no additional discussions or information have been shared with the South Bend Common Council, we
are sponsoring a Resolution calling for a public meeting with the Council, the Redevelopment Commission,
representatives of the South Bend Community School Corporation and other interested parties on the
proposed New Tech High School. We are asking all Council Members to join us in support of this
Resolution. We are recommending that the Resolution be referred to the Community and Economic
Development Committee for review and recommendation. This Council Committee is chaired by Council
Member At Large Timothy A. Rouse.
We believe that a meeting with all parties having the opportunity to be present is not only necessary, but
critical, if the new tech concept is to be successful in our community.
Innovative and proven measures to increase high school graduation rates are a must. However, if
public/private partnerships are required for this concept to take off in South Bend, all parties should be
willing to be forthright with critical information. This is especially true when the very existence of such a
program requires considerable outside funding in order for the South Bend Board of School Trustees to
move forward. It appears that the School Corporation is counting on more than a one-time gift of money
from the City of South Bend. In light of monetary shortfalls projected for all public entities, as a result of
HEA 1001, all dollars, including TIF dollars, must be carefully reviewed. The South Bend Common Council
is committed to transparency and communication, and believes that adherence to these goals are needed in
order to assure that key city priorities and objectives are being addressed. Many valuable public services are
actively competing for dwindling tax dollars such as police and fire services, crossing guards, streets—just to
name a few. We look forward to the upcoming public dialogue.
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