Board approves dual-enrollment agreements with Warner and Southeastern universities; two abstentions recorded

The Polk County School Board voted to approve dual-enrollment agreements with Warner University and Southeastern University at its July 29 meeting, a move district staff described as expanding college-credit access at no cost to students and families.

Staff noted dual-enrollment agreements include language providing tuition waivers so qualified Polk students may earn college credit without paying tuition. Jenkins, finance staff, said about 5,000 students participated in dual enrollment last year, an increase over the prior year.

Vice Chair Sharpless announced he would abstain from the Warner University vote because of his employment relationship with Warner University; the motion to approve Warner University passed with the abstention recorded. Board member Wyatt announced she would abstain from the Southeastern University vote and proper paperwork had been filed; the Southeastern vote passed with that abstention recorded.

Nut graf: The agreements expand college-credit opportunities and were approved with disclosure of board member conflicts and recorded abstentions.

Ending: Staff said dual-enrollment capacity and participation will continue to be tracked; the agreements were included in the meeting record and approved as written.