Feasibility Committee makes progress in researching proposed Global Center for Science and Technology

April 6, 2009

The Global Center Feasibility Committee, comprised of community leaders from across the Fort Bend school district, has been conducting research and listening to parents, teachers, students and other interested community members over the past several weeks to collect feedback about the unique facility.  David Wallace, former Mayor of Sugar Land, is chairing the committee and said he is pleased with the level of interest in the proposed facility, and appreciates the sincere comments and suggestions people have provided thus far. 

Wallace said the committee has already identified a central theme of what most people believe are the positives about the Center, as well their main concerns.  "From what we're hearing, many people believe the Center would provide a remarkable resource for accelerated science staff development training for teachers, and advanced, hands-on learning opportunities for students," said Wallace.  The main concerns, he noted, focused on the cost to build and maintain the Center, and in ensuring that students across the district have equal opportunities to study at the facility.

"We have had talks with private businesses and institutions that have expressed interest in the possibilities of forming collaborative partnerships to help fund the Center.  If we could move in that direction, we believe the Center could be funded without any need to raise taxes, or take away resources already allocated for other district purposes," said Wallace.  He said that they are also meeting with representatives from the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children's Museum of Houston to explore creative and mutually beneficial partnership opportunities.

Dr. Timothy Jenney, FBISD Superintendent, says the district would be able to plan teacher training and student lessons so that teachers and students in identified grade levels would have ample and equal opportunities to utilize the Center.  "Depending on what develops over the next few weeks, and the Feasibility Committee's final report, we are encouraged that the Global Center is a viable project that would have a very positive impact on student achievement and student interest in science, technology, math, engineering and other related fields," said Jenney. 

Other benefits of the Global Center noted by the district would include the ability to attract and retain quality teachers and to provide science enrichment learning opportunities for students during the summer and other non-school days.  Additionally, the Center could be open to the public during specific times of the year.

Wallace commended the Feasibility Committee's work and said everyone has taken this assignment seriously and has put in a lot of time and effort to collect the necessary research.  After the Committee completes its study, a final "Recommendations Report" regarding the proposed Global Center will be presented to the FBISD School Board sometime in May.

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