04/04/13 The Plymouth School Board voted unanimously on Tuesday night to enter into a contract with Ivy Tech. The contract is one of the key factors in a project started nearly a year ago to offer CNC training to Plymouth High School students.
The school corporation has been working with ITAMCO representatives to provide specific training on equipment that is being provided by ITAMCO. The classes will be held in the renovated former bus garage on the Plymouth campus.
Representing Ivy Tech at the Board meeting was the Chancellor of Ivy Tech, Dr. Thomas Coley, and North Central Area Vocational Cooperative Director, Jerry Hollenbaugh. As a part of the contract, Ivy Tech will lease the space from the school corporation for $1 per year. They will also provide the on-site teacher who will be their employee. The program teacher is expected to be hired during the upcoming summer to allow adequate time for curriculum development for fall classes.
According to Coley, the contract proposed will still have to be approved by the President of Ivy Tech as well as the Ivy Tech State Trustees. He indicated that the approval from the President could be granted in May and the state level approval in June.
Coley said, “This is a committed initiative.” He said Ivy Tech has underserved Marshall County and the collaboration with the Plymouth Schools is a good step.
As Ivy Tech students, all of those enrolled in the classes will have full access to Ivy Tech facilities, such as their libraries.
According to Superintendent, Dan Tyree, classes will be offered in the afternoons and evenings. Plymouth students will receive dual credit with PHS and Ivy Tech.
Board member Larry Pinkerton said, “One of our goals has been to expand vocational (classes). I am pleased Ivy Tech is going to be a part of it.” Hollenbaugh echoed his remarks saying, “I think this is going to be very good for the Plymouth Schools.”
