Business and education leaders oversee FCCTC transition

Last week the team of educators and business leaders from Franklin County which is developing a plan for the transition of ownership of the Franklin County Career and Technology Center by the Chambersburg Area School District had its first complete tour of the FCCTC classrooms and work areas.

Representatives from the Chambersburg Area School District and employers representing the business, industry, and public sectors of Franklin County are meeting to assure the smooth transition of ownership of the Franklin County Career and Technology Center.

Earlier this year, the Chambersburg Area School District, the largest of the six Franklin County school districts that own the FCCTC, proposed purchasing the technical school. The plan offers the career center the advantage of serving under a single administration.

Basically, when the plan is implemented, the other Franklin County school districts will be assessed a tuition per student prorated according to the total number of students attending the school.

The education and private sector leaders, known as the Transition Team, is led by Patrick Evans of Franklin Advisory, a consulting group formed to lead the transition.

Members of the team representing the Chambersburg School District include: Tammy Stouffer, the federal programs coordinator; Mark Scheitle, the principal of the academic program at the career center; Mark Long, the director of technology; and Dr. Eric Michael, the assistant superintendent of secondary services.

Members of the team representing the private sector include: Steve Subasic, the vice president of human resources at JLG Industries; Eric Wickson, the general manager of Target Distribution; Chris Snavely, Snavely's Garden Corner; Darrel Brechbill, Brechbill and Helman Construction Company; and Lynne Beeson, the education director for Summit Health. FCCTC student enrollment was at its peak in 1976, but enrollment has declined in recent years. Meanwhile, the need for technically trained people has increased throughout Franklin County and other parts of the country, placing Franklin County employers at a disadvantage in filling jobs requiring skilled personnel.

Questions concerning the transition may be directed to the Director of Information Services, Chambersburg Area School District by calling (717) 261-1378.