To the editor:

It is no secret that DACC is in the early stages of a facilities project that will consolidate our two campuses into one which will be located on U.S. 23, our current south campus. Getting to this point has been a long but necessary journey. (It is) One that would not have been possible without the involvement of public participation.

Community members have been involved with district visioning processes over the past years. In 2008-09, community members came together to map out a strategic plan. Next, the public was involved with the development of our three design principles and last year an external focus group provided input during our facility assessment process, which was considered in the decision to consolidate the campuses.

Most recently, we engaged the input of a facilities committee in the selection process of the project architect and the construction manager at risk for the building consolidation project. The members committed many hours to review proposals, listen to interviews, attend meetings and provide feedback. Everyone on the committee took their role seriously, wanting to provide the community with the best options.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the many people who have provided DACC with input and I would like to recognize the members of the facility committee for donating their time and expertise. I am proud of their work and proud of the outcomes which resulted in the board hiring an architect and a construction manager at risk. The facility committee members are Ed Bishoff, Jack Brickner, Jeff Gordon, Chad Gray, Jack Higgins, Claire Jolliff, Jon Melvin, Sean Miller, Harry Pape and Mary Jane Santos.

It has been a pleasure working with all those who have volunteered their time and I extend my sincere appreciation for your dedication and for the many hours you have donated to provide direction to DACC decisions.

Mary Beth Freeman

Superintendent

Delaware Area Career Center