Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Tracy Aiello, Freeman Wall Aiello, 303.232.3870
Sandra Steiner, Adams County Economic Development, 303.450.5106

PARTNERSHIP DONATES HALF A MILLION TO RAISE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES

(Westminster, Colo. – July 12, 2005)  - With unprecedented agreement, the business and education communities of Adams County announced today they will donate  $500,000 in time, money and other resources to create the Adams County Education Consortium (ACEC). 

An historical partnership, the Consortium will bridge a long-standing gap between the needs of business and the education of students.

Notes Adams County Economic Development Chairman Bob Loew, “The Consortium represents a first for Adams County and beyond. School districts and businesses are creating a true partnership that meets the needs of our expanding business community and at the same time prepares students for a bright future with quality employment.” 

The effort began when the school districts, Front Range Community College and Adams County Economic Development (the public/private nonprofit economic development organization for Adams County) recognized the beginning of a perfect storm. Job growth in the county was fast surpassing growth in other metro-area counties, while the high school graduation rate was falling behind its Denver neighbors.

Notes Dr. Janet Gullickson, President of Front Range Community College and key driver of the Consortium:  “Everyone involved is deeply committed to increasing high school and community college graduation rates. The collaboration of superintendents, community college presidents, county officials and the business community will allow students to more successfully complete secondary and post-secondary education and allow them to advance to careers within the county.”

The initial partners in this program include five school districts, three community colleges, Adams
County, Adams County One Stop Career Center, Adams County Economic Development and the area business community.  As programs develop, ACEC predicts more partners will be added.

A key element to the Consortium is the appointment of Lee Searcy to the role of Director.  Searcy will leave his post as principal in Adams County School District 50 to run the consortium. While still an employee of the school district, he will report directly to Adams County Economic Development to insure the business community and their employment requirements are the top priority.

As a former business owner, Searcy understands the demands placed on employees. Yet as a long term educator, he understands the educational system. Searcy also developed seven alternative schools in Grand Junction District R-5 designed to keep students in school or bring marginalized youth back to the system.

Through programs and initiatives, One of Searcy’s top priorities is to build ‘Academies’ for high school students. A series of specialized classes, the Academies will prepare students for occupations in professions such as building trades, logistics and life sciences. He intends to  incorporate the family and improve support for teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators while also engaging business partners like Wells Fargo, Meadowlark Optics, United Power, Goodwill Industries, JR Engineering, and High Country Wire and Telephone.
 
"It is easy to see the growth of new jobs in Adams County,” noted Lori Corless-Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo.  “This bridge between education and business is a proactive response by the county to generate a positive future."

Over 70,000 students from Adams County school districts stand to benefit. The districts include: Adams 12, Adams County 50, District 27J, Adams 14 and Mapleton 1. Smaller districts in Bennett, Strasburg and Byers will soon be included.

“Strong schools build strong communities and strong communities build strong schools,” said Mike Paskewicz, Superintendent of Adams 12 Five Star Schools. “This partnership represents our community’s commitment to a high quality of life now and in the future.”

Tonda Potts, Superintendent of District 27J acknowledges, “I am pleased with the collaboration and creativity demonstrated by the consortium. Sharing resources and eliminating duplication allows our students more options for the future.”

Her colleague, Charlotte Ciancio, Superintendent, Mapleton Public Schools agrees, “It is exciting to participate in an effort that deliberately focuses on a productive and fulfilling future for our community through the academic success of our youth. With this partnership we place the public back into Public Education.”

Superintendent John Lange of Adams 14 also supports the initiative stating, "The Adams County Education Consortium is an exciting major step forward in improving the lives of our children.  This initiative is a fine example of great collaboration occurring in Adams County."

ABOUT ADAMS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Adams County Economic Development, Inc. (ACED) is a private, nonprofit full service economic development organization serving Adams County, which is predicted to be the fastest growing county in Colorado over the next 20 years. Adams County includes 1,192 square miles, nine municipalities, 8,346 businesses and a total population of 377,261. ACED is dedicated to playing a leadership role in aggressively driving economic vitality and sustainable business development in the region. For more information on ACED, visit our web site at www.adamscountyed.com.

ABOUT ADAMS COUNTY EDUCATION CONSORTIUM

The Adams County Education Consortium’s mission is to develop a county wide partnership that will enhance the academic skills development, career knowledge and exploration, and relevant work ready skills for all learner groups in Adams County.  The group includes representation from the Adams County school districts, post secondary education, local governments, community based organizations, and the business community.  The ACEC executive committee is comprised of the area superintendents and community college presidents who unanimously support the initiative.  The director of the ACEC is located at Front Range Community College and reports to ACED.

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