EDUCATION COMMITTEE – Meeting Minutes

August 13, 2007

10:00 a.m., ACM Somerset

The Education Committee of the Comprehensive Plan met on August 13, 2007. Those in attendance included: Jeff Silka, SCEDC; Jim Snider, ACM; Dennis Afton, ACM; Deb Hoover, ACM; Georgia Yeager, SCTC; Deb Balog, JARI; Chris Kimmel, CareerLink; Morris, CareerLink; Linda Fetterolf, Fetterolf Group; Brad Zearfoss, Planning Commission; Kerri Burtner, Comprehensive Plan Coordinator.

1. KIZ Update – Jeff Silka told the group that we are in the last step of the process. The state needs a map of our KIZ which will be a 100 acre area that includes ACM, SCTC, and the Laurel Highlands Business Park. Jeff will get the map to JARI who in turn will send it on to the state. At that point they can start to integrate Somerset County into what the existing Greater Johnstown KIZ has in place.

2. 3^rd Annual Somerset County Job Fair – Chris Kimmel reported that the job fair will be held on Oct. 30, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Quality Inn in Somerset. Employers wishing to have a table can reserve one for $135 before Sept. 15^th and $200 after that date. Please help spread the word about this event. Employers may contact the Chamber of Commerce to get additional information.

3. Meeting with School Leaders – The Education Committee will host a gathering for school officials (superintendants, principals, guidance counselors, and school board members) to discuss our goals and objectives and how we hope to implement plans. This event will be discussed in greater detail at our Sept. 10^th meeting.

4. Job Shadowing – Referencing the Comprehensive Plan’s objective to “make students aware of available career pahtways in the county” Kerri Burtner inquired about a shadowing program in Somerset County. Georgia Yeager said that Vanessa Gardner at SCTC coordinates a program that places students on an as-needed basis into shadowing opportunities.