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Key educators, administrators, and state leaders got their first look at Columbus State’s
new Regional Learning Center about to open inside Reynoldsburg High School. The new center
is a unique partnership between Reynoldsburg City Schools and Columbus State – and local
and state leaders see it as a model for Ohio. Steve Dackin, Reynoldsburg Superintendent:
This represents a new era for Reynoldsburg City Schools, one in which we look beyond
our own organization and beyond old ways of doing things for ways to offer more educational
opportunities for children at less cost for taxpayers.
The center includes a half dozen classrooms, computer labs, science labs and a patient
care classroom. Dual enrollment classes for Reynoldsburg students begin next fall. For
them, it’s more than just a convenience. Kelly Alianiello, Reynoldsburg & Columbus
State student: I’ve always been expected to go to college. But I know for a lot of
students college seems kind of unreachable. So for this, it’s really offering students
the next step. And it’s making more reasonable to go to college too, especially with the
costs. This partnership comes on the heels of Governor
John Kasich’s request that public agencies share services. Reynoldsburg provided the
space rent free along with the renovations. Columbus State provided furnishings and faculty.
David Harrison, Columbus State President: We’re just scratching the surface I think
in terms of what this partnership can become. I really think this is the kind of thing that
can lead by example. Not just in our region, but throughout our state.
Michael Sawyers, Dept. of Education Acting Superintendent: I’m hopeful that other
community colleges and/or other universities throughout the state of Ohio will wake up
and pay attention. The partnership – with its dual enrollment
possibilities - is bound to improve student success
Jim Petro, Board of Regents Chancellor: Where kids can get highs school credit, move on
toward their diploma but at the same time be getting credit for their college degree.
That’s going to drive completion. It’s going to drive economic success. We need to
do it everywhere. Students are already signing up for classes
at the new center, which will open on January 14.