Recommendations / Education / Big Idea # 2: Connect-ED

Big Idea # 2: Connect-ED

Part of the "THE FLINT CONNECTION" initiative

EducationAlbany-DoughertyUnder $250,000

Overview

Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public education in Albany-Dougherty County by considering a facility shift for Albany State University and a consolidation of the Dougherty County high school system. The recommendation asks Albany State University to consider unifying to one campus by using the Albany State East Campus, expanding across the river into Downtown Albany, and leasing or purchasing the Government Center. It also asks the Dougherty County School System to consider consolidating three high school campuses, using ASU West Campus as a unified consolidated high school for grades 10–12, maintaining 4C Academy for 9th and 10th grade students, and repurposing Westover and Dougherty High for community-facing uses.

Action plan

Short-term
August 2018–December 2018: Conduct institutional strategic planning with neutral facilitators to create vision, mission, and strategic direction for new initiatives. Develop relationships with potential investors to cover costs not included in education entities. Study opportunity costs compared with fiscal costs of merger and consolidation. Create a joint grants task force to pursue funding. Apply for tax initiatives such as E-SPLOST. Survey parents of DCSS students to gauge readiness and support for a consolidated campus. Identify ambassador teams of parents, students, and staff to host listening sessions and build community support. Create a one-campus unification plan for ASU. Study model college campuses with downtown presence. Conduct gap analysis for certificate and degree programs to identify ways to connect Downtown Albany with the Flint River.
Medium-term
January 2019–July 2019: Establish a plan for lease of the Government Center by ASU and begin renovation. Pilot merged extracurricular high school groups to assess dynamics and readiness for consolidation. Launch a development campaign to fund wellness center repurposing, with possible donor naming opportunities.
Long-term
July 2019–July 2020: Purchase or lease ASU West Campus by the Dougherty County School System. Merge to create the 10th–12th grade campus and 9th grade academy.

Expected impact

ASU Downtown PresenceEducational

Tracks whether ASU expands its presence into Downtown Albany through the Government Center and downtown building space.

Timeframe: Medium-term
DCSS Community Partnership and EngagementCommunity

Tracks increased community partnership and engagement with DCSS.

Timeframe: Long-term
ASU Enrollment and RetentionEducational

Tracks improved ASU enrollment and retention after strengthening its role in the greater Albany community.

Timeframe: Long-term
High School Consolidation CompletionEducational

Tracks whether DCSS consolidates high school campuses into a unified structure.

Timeframe: Long-term
Post-Graduation Success RateEducational

Tracks higher success rate after graduation.

Timeframe: Long-term
Academic Centers Responsive to Regional ChallengesEducational

Tracks whether academic centers become more responsive to the unique challenges of Southwest Georgia.

Timeframe: Long-term
University Revenue DiversificationEconomic

Tracks diversified university revenue streams.

Timeframe: Long-term
ASU Community EngagementCommunity

Tracks increased community engagement from ASU’s stronger downtown/community presence.

Timeframe: Long-term
9th Grade Retention IncreaseEducational

Tracks retention of 9th grade students.

Timeframe: Long-term
ASU Student Health ImprovementCommunity

Tracks improved student health tied to ASU’s expanded role and wellness programming.

Timeframe: Long-term
High School Graduation IncreaseEducational

Tracks long-term increase in the number of high school graduates.

Timeframe: Long-term

Key stakeholders

Dougherty County School System4C AcademyAlbany Technical CollegeDougherty County Parks and RecreationPhoebe Putney Memorial HospitalDougherty County School System AlumniADICA / Albany-Dougherty Inner City AuthorityUniversity System of GeorgiaFoundations and Grantmaking AgenciesParents, Students, and Staff Ambassador TeamsLocal Celebrities and Alumni of DCSS and ASU

Estimated budget

ASU West Campus at 2400 Gillionville Road: estimated value of $100 million for total land/building assessment; cost for Dougherty County Schools; income for ASU. Lease of Government Center in Downtown Albany: estimated fair market value of $15 million; lease TBD, currently owned by ADICA; renovation budget.