By PAT NEWMAN
pnewman@thecitizennews.com

A pending agreement between Gordon College and Fayette Community Schools could significantly expand the number of courses available to Fayette County residents and their neighbors.

Jim Pittman, director of the county's community schools program, presented the details of a proposed agreement between the two entities to Fayette County's school board members recently for their consideration. With the completion of major renovations at the Lafayette Education Center, Pittman said the college would have lab facilities, as well as storage space, to conduct core curriculum classes.

Eventually, it may be possible to earn an associates degree from Gordon College without leaving the county, Pittman noted.

The board is expected to approve the agreement this month, allowing Gordon to offer four nights of classes instead of nine classes currently meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays starting in the fall. There are now about 180 students attending the evening classes. “We may also expand our joint enrollment for high school students,” Pittman told the board. This would allow high school students to earn college credit before graduation.

Gordon pays the Fayette County School District $150 per course for classroom space at the Lafayette Center. The new and improved proposal would charge Gordon $5,000 per semester, which would be more beneficial to the Community School, according to Pittman. The additional income would also compensate an evening supervisor, who would stay on site during class time.

Persons wanting to take advantage of Gordon's program must first apply and be accepted by the college, Pittman noted. “The next step would be getting a four-year school interested in offering a degree in business or teacher education.” West Georgia College already has courses available here for teachers seeking a degree in education administration and Griffin Tech has partnered with McIntosh to offer students a number of classes formerly available only at the main campus.

Gordon College is part of the university system of Georgia and credits from about 40 programs can be transferred to other state institution such as the University of Georgia.

Pittman said Gordon will be offering some summer courses. For information, phone the community school at 770-460-3990 ext. 134 or Gordon College at 770-358-5023.