ACS Challenge Workshops Scheduled

ANDERSON---Superintendent Mikella A. Lowe today announced the dates for the first two series of workshops (referred to as the Identification Phase of the process) for the Anderson Community School Corporation Challenge 2010. The workshops will focus on information pertinent to the challenge of reducing the ACSC annual budget by $5,000,000. The Identification Phase will consist of two workshops with each workshop offered on three different dates in order to accommodate as many members of the community as possible. The first workshop will be held Thursday, December 4 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at South Side Middle School, on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. at North Side Middle School, and on Monday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m. at East Side Middle School.

The second workshop in this phase will be held on Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m. at East Side Middle School, on Monday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. at North Side Middle School, and on Thursday, December 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the ACSC Administration Building located at 1229 Lincoln Street.

“It is absolutely critical that this process focuses on each and every aspect of the district’s operations and expenses, not simply facilities,” said Lowe. Everything should be considered “on the table.” In addition, Lowe confirmed that public input will be sought and documented on the district’s website each and every step of the way.

Six members of an advisory panel charged with developing recommendations for the Board of School Trustees have been named. Four more panel members are expected to be appointed by the Herald Bulletin early this week. Panel members will attend as many workshops as possible, and will be provided all input gathered during the workshops.

Future workshop dates (for the final three phases) will be announced later this month after all panel members have been identified and have formally authorized the proposed 2009 schedule.