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Council authorizes $1 million workforce-development grant to Bartholomew schools; one abstention
Summary
After a presentation from Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, the council approved a resolution authorizing redevelopment funds of up to $1,000,000 for iGrad, STEM and transition programs; the measure passed with a 7-0 vote and one abstention from a council member employed by BCSC.
Columbus City Council voted to authorize the city’s Redevelopment Commission to grant up to $1,000,000 in TIF funds to Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) for workforce-development programming including iGrad, STEM instruction and transition planning.
A BCSC representative (speaker 15) opened the presentation saying the district was requesting a $1,000,000 workforce development grant. Dr. Phillips, speaking for BCSC, said the district has integrated iGrad under BCSC and highlighted the programs’ outcomes: "the equivalent of about 80 students each year" in increased graduation, credited in part to iGrad and the cohort model.
Council members asked procedural and limits questions, and staff noted the $1,000,000 cap is approximately 15% of the TIF increment available for these grants. Councilmember Josh Burnett said he would vote in favor despite prior employment connections, while another council member stated, "Because BCSC is my employee, I do have to abstain," explaining the abstention. The resolution passed 7 in favor, 0 against, with 1 abstention.
The presenters described program elements including iGrad coaching, expanded STEM teacher support and transition programs that provide workforce training for students with disabilities. The transcript includes a line-item mention of iGrad at $330,500; the complete numerical breakdown of the remaining amounts in the $1,000,000 request was not clearly transcribed in the meeting record.
The resolution allows the Redevelopment Commission to make the grant under the existing partnership framework; council members praised the collaboration and its contribution to local graduation rates.
