Coweta

County's unique venture with CarrollTechnical Institute

got a green light from the state legislature this week.

Both the

House and Senate approved the county's request for $7

million to fund the Central Education Center. The center

starts operation this fall and will offer high school

classes, along with technical programs from Carroll Tech.

Superintendent

of education Richard Brooks was quite pleased with the

news from the General Assembly and said the system is

already working to get the center in shape for the fall

opening.

While a new

building for the labs and many technical classes won't be

completed until 2001, Brooks said many classes will be

offered this fall.

"We'll

probably have marketing, along with some business arts

classes to start off," he said.

He expects

the enrollment to be nearly 700 this fall and double by

2001.

This fall,

students will be able to take some high school classes,

along with technical programs at the center. When the

center is fully operational, a student will be able to

graduate from the high school program at the center and

move immediately into technical college programs the next

year at the same facility.

The

county's three public high schools will feed students

into the center, which also will offer continuing

education programs, along with an evening high school.

"The

Coweta Central Education Center will provide a unique

educational opportunity for the students of Newnan and

Coweta County," said state Sen. Rick Price.

"This seamless approach to education concentrates on

the success of the student, so they are able to enter the

work force with the skills necessary to achieve their

career goals.

"Rep.

Lynn Smith was instrumental in the development of the

central educational concept as she served tirelessly on

steering committee for this important project,"

Price added.