Teacher and parent leaders urge continued support for Early College program

Miss Tina Rue (early college leadership team member) urged the board to continue supporting the district’s Early College program, describing how the program helps students earn dual credits, an Indiana College Core certificate and associates degrees while bringing funding and community recognition to the district.

Rue described the program’s partnership with a local partner college (referenced in the meeting as "Vincent's University"), explained that the Early College program is distinct from Project Excel dual-credit offerings, and said the program has positioned the district well for new Indiana diploma requirements. She noted the district has hosted visitors and presented at state early college summits and said staff and community presentations have highlighted programs like the Scholes Farm experiential pathway.

Those remarks drew applause from the meeting audience. Board members said they appreciated the advocacy and noted a planning meeting was scheduled to follow up.

The speaker emphasized that early college options can save students money and increase employment opportunities and that district staff continue to refine communication with families about how dual credit and first-year status are recorded for college applications.