Dublin City Schools Emerald Campus Update
 
Today's presentation featured Kristy Venne, Director of the Emerald Campus, and our club's own Dr. Todd Hoadley, Superintendent of Dublin City Schools.  We also welcomed numerous guests to the meeting from Dublin Schools and the Board of Education, Tolles, Dublin City Council and the Dublin Schools Business Advisory Council.
 
Dr. Hoadley shared some facts about our schools;  16,300 students speaking 61 languages and coming from over 100 countries.  Enrollment has grown 20% in the past decade and 40% of students live in the City of Columbus limits.
 
The Emerald Campus is located in the former Verizon Wireless building on Emerald Parkway across from Dublin Coffman High School.  Instead of investing to build a traditional 4th high school, our schools leadership elected to pursue an innovative approach with a flexible space geared to innovative programming.  At the heart of this decision is the need to address the changing workforce and changing economy that is requiring new approaches to educational opportunities for our kids.
 
Financially, a traditional 4th high school would cost taxpayers ~$100M, while the Emerald Campus facility will be 20% of that cost.
 
Ms. Venne discussed the various academies and programming that is available and will be available in the future at Emerald Campus.  With a focus on a non-traditional, problem-based experiential learning approach, the academies include Engineering, Dublin Teachers, Young Professionals, Biomedical, and IT.
 
The school board is also considering a proposal to relocate the Central Office to the 4th floor of the Emerald Campus building and convert the current Central Office location to a preschool center to free up space in the elementary schools.
 
For more detailed information about the Emerald Campus programs visit www.dublinschools.net/emeraldcampus
 
Dublin is fortunate to have excellent schools with innovative leadership!
 
Announcements
 
Progressive Dinner - Feb 3rd - Need an additional host home.  Contact Sarah.
 
Blarney Bash - Mar 10th - over halfway to sponsorship goal and still need large sponsors of $20K (1), $10K (2). Contact Alan or Dwight.
 
Polar Bear Open - Feb 10 - Registrations are going great. Be sure to get registered via the website. Contact Sinan with questions.
 
Curling Event - Registrations limited.  if interested, register asap.  Contact Sarah with questions.