Jan. 19, 2012
Story by Brandon Steinert 

Administrators from Kansas high schools, technical schools, community colleges and other educational institutions gathered Wednesday morning to discuss the future of public education in Kansas. The Career Readiness Summit focused on current and potential future strategies for increasing the percentage of high school graduates who are college or career ready.

Among the few panelists selected to contribute to the conversation during a round-table discussion, was Barton’s own President Dr. Carl Heilman.

During an open comment period, Heilman addressed a cultural change in education that links college programs and curriculum into high schools, but he said the change needs to incorporate more than just the two levels of education.

“To see improvement, we need to have improved linkages,” he said. “We need improved linkages between secondary and two-year post-secondary institutions, between two- and four-year post secondary institutions, and improved linkages between education and private industry and business. Career and technical education is something we should be proud of.”

Heilman also said he considers the nature of the summit and the Governor’s plans for education bold and visionary.

“They’re long overdue and needed,” he said. “We’re excited, Governor. Kansas community colleges are excited.”

Heilman was joined by a couple of other individuals representing Barton, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mike Johnson and Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education Elaine Simmons.