The charter

also allows for the development of new courses such as culinary arts and

CAD (computer-aided design). Several advanced placement classes will be

considered for the charter.

"We can

consolidate low enrollment courses and have enough students for one or

two classes, whereas right now we cannot get enough people at one school

to make a class," Sennett said.

A partnership

is in the works with Griffin Technical College and Gordon College to offer

core courses for their degree programs. Dual credit courses already planned

for Griffin Tech include computer concepts, anatomy and physiology, introduction

to psychology, networking concepts, introduction to criminal justice and

introduction to microcomputers.

Plans are for

the charter school to begin initial offerings in the beginning of the

2002-2003 academic year. School officials emphasize that in order for

the charter school to get off the ground and become successful, input

from the business community is needed.

"We have

just put together the concept but nothing is carved in stone. We need

to hear from you about what type of skills you need your employees need

to have in order for this school to be a success," Bennett told business

leaders.

A job performance

needs assessment has been distributed to businesses within the county.

The assessment is designed to help the school system pinpoint problem

areas employers experience with new hires in entry-level positions. It

will also help to indicate certain skills that employees need to possess

in order to perform satisfactorily on the job.

The school

system is asking that all businesses in the county participate in helping

to shape the curriculum offered at the charter school. For information

phone Patrick Sennett, 770-460-3990, extension 170.