Ben Davis University High School Progressing Towards Fall Opening

(posted June 26)

The site work around the Ben Davis Junior High School building is starting to happen as interior renovations will begin to convert the building into the Ben Davis University High School.

Ben Davis University High School evolved out of a 2006 partnership between the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township and Vincennes University to offer college courses and earn a diploma and credits towards an associates degree. It is possible for a student to graduate with a diploma and an associates degree.

Ben Davis University expects to serve 400 students within three years, but the initial plans are to serve only 150 sophomores in the 2007-2008 school year. Langdoc estimates about 125 students have enrolled so far in this partnered program that offers Information Technology, Liberal Arts, General Studies of Nursing and Health Careers, Fire Science and Safety Technology, Emergency Management and Planning, Business Management, Distribution and Logistics Emphasis. The university students will have classes in the west wing of the building while the three story building is under construction.

The building improvements include bringing the building up to code with heating and air conditioning, mechanical, fire and technology improvements. The classrooms will be updated to conduct science labs

Tom Langdoc, director of School/Community Services MSD of Wayne Township, said the plan is to use the building for three different educational programs, Ben Davis University High School, Wayne Enrichment Center and a consolidated pre-school. No exact date was given when the Wayne Enrichment Center and the Consolidated Pre-School Program will occupy the facility. The Wayne Enrichment Center serves students 7th through 12th grade. It functions as an alternative base education that serves as an alternative to school expulsion. The goal is not to let the student fall through the cracks through expulsion, but to offer counseling while the student can continue earning credits. The goal is for the student to eventually return to the regular school setting. The alternative school will have greater access to technology at the university, "which is not the case now," Langdoc said.

The decision to move the enrichment center was based on space needs. Langdoc explained the enrichment center is currently housed with the Adult Basic Education Center at Raymond and Lynhurst, but the tight shared space prevents ABE from hosting day programs.

The preschool program is designed to assist students with disabilities starting at the age of three. Langdoc expects 15 to enroll in the program this year. The renovation will free up space in other schools to enable them to offer full day kindergarten. By offering a consolidated program, it will be more cost effective to offer speech, hearing, physical and occupational therapies.

The bids have not been awarded to calculate the total cost of the project. Once completed, the school will house 1,150 students.

For more information about Ben Davis University, contact Sheryl Garrett at 227-8606.