Jones Center director Kristy Black and Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich gave an overview of how the $6 Million Center came to be. Monticello school officials were also present to share their experience.
The development of the Jones Regional Education Center (JREC) took almost 10 years, and ongoing dialog and collaboration between 8 area school districts and Kirkwood Community College officials. The JREC exists because - a need to create better opportunities for students, solve limitations of individual school districts, thinking outside the box, a shared willingness to collaborate and be flexible, and the will to commit for the long term.
The JREC hosts 230 high school students for part day academy classes that can earn students college credit and professional certifications. It also serves area adults for Kirkwood credit and continuing education courses.
Thanks to all the area participants for taking the time to visit the new JREC and begin a dialog in Washington County.
- Mark Schneider, Superintendent at Mid-Prairie & Keota School Districts
- Chris Armstrong, Superintendent at Highland School District
- Dr. Mike Jorgensen, Superintendent at Washington Community School District
- Eric Buchholz, Washington High School Principal
- Eric Turner, Washington School Board President
- Tara Paul, Curriculum Director at Columbus Community School District
- Nancy Rash, Kirkwood Washington Center Director
- Ed Raber, Dir. of Washington Economic Development Group
