Eggs, Issues & Education

The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce sponsored an Eggs & Issues forum on June 23^rd in the community room of the Gilmer County Bank. North Georgia Medical Center provided the food and the topic was “education”. Invited speakers included Randy Parsons, Superintendent of Gilmer County Schools; Dr. Sanford Chandler, President of Chattahoochee Technical College; and Dr. John Schwenn, President of Dalton State College. Here is a recap of their comments:

Randy Parsons, Superintendent of Gilmer County Schools, commended both Chattahoochee Technical College and Dalton State College for their dedication to Gilmer County and their post secondary educational programs. He stressed that Gilmer County School System is looking for ways to augment the traditional method of teaching to include different opportunities for students to learn. Included will be opportunities in “electronic” learning methods with on-line classes and video conferencing. He also emphasized that the graduation rate has substantially increased. Superintendent Parsons stated, “Our graduation rate has increased to 88% from 50%, only a few years back”. He also emphasized that “the school system is in an economic crisis. Although the new expense budget will be a slight decrease from the previous year, the impact of decreased funding from the State and other sources will result in a drop in funding of over one million dollars next year.” Mr. Parsons further stated that “they need to be more efficient in their spending but some programs such as school nurses, driver’s education and middle school sports are on the line”. He added that Gilmer County taxpayers should expect about a 1 mil increase in property taxes as a result of funding cuts.

Dr. Sanford Chandler, President of Chattahoochee Technical College reported on the merger between Appalachian Technical College, Chattahoochee Tech. & North Metro Technical College. Dr. Chandler emphasized that even though the merger had taken place Appalachian Tech would retain its name. He also emphasized that the merger is complete and was very successful. He said “we are one college with multiple campuses and a community focus.” They now serve over 10,000 students and six counties with over 100 programs designed to put students into the workforce with excellent education and training. Dr. Chandler wanted the citizens of Gilmer County to know that “they are strengthening their focus on education in the community”. He said “starting in the fall, they will offer college level classes in Algebra, English and Psychology at Gilmer High School. This will be in addition to the adult education classes and G.E.D. preparation they already offer at their Gilmer Adult Education Center. Dr. Chandler also indicated that they will offer more classes on-line, making Chattahoochee Tech available to more students.

Dr. John Schwenn, President of Dalton State College said “their program at the Gilmer Campus has been wildly successful and beyond expectations”. During their first semester (spring) they enrolled 176 students at the Gilmer Campus. There are 152 students attending the summer semester. Thus far they have registered 193 students for the fall semester, 116 of which are residents of Gilmer County. The oldest student attending is 79 years. This fall they will have 29 classes at the Gilmer Campus. One major issue is finding qualified faculty to teach. Their faculty members must meet their accreditation standards.

Dalton State College provides a two year Associate Degree Program in Gilmer County and that prepares the students to transfer to any accredited college or university. Dr. Schween also emphasized that they are looking at programs for retirees. He said, “Gilmer County attracts retirees and we want to provide adequate opportunities for them to enroll in programs of interest”. Being a part of the community is also of great importance to Dalton State. They have already formed local softball teams and are considering grants for performing arts on the Gilmer Campus.

All three speakers emphasized the challenges of funding in “these economic times”, but all three also emphasized their institutions commitment to providing quality education to the citizens of Gilmer County.