Greene Co. battle could have “unintended consequences” state says

The colleges say they are working toward an agreement on Sinclair’s plan to open its first “corporate college.” On Oct. 25, Sinclair announced its plans to lease space and open the center by January 2014 on Pentagon Boulevard — the same street and less than a half a mile from Clark State’s Greene County campus. Sinclair would offer non-credit workforce training there, but the project has not yet been approved by its Board of Trustees.

Clark State is charted to serve Greene County, but Sinclair has said that does not apply for non-credit programs. Springfield-based Clark State has requested $13 million in Ohio’s next capital budget to expand its Beavercreek campus and construct a second building.

Both colleges say they are working toward a solution, but the proposed memorandums of understanding they sent to each last week differ on how much they address the scope of training Sinclair would be able to offer.

Carey said the issue has been a “road bump” in what has otherwise been a string of successful collaboration among the state’s colleges and universities, which has drawn praise from President Barack Obama.

“As you continue to talk about collaboration in your region, the debate has now involved the General Assembly and the Ohio Board of Regents. I believe that there could be unintended consequences for both Sinclair Community College and Clark State Community College if you are not able to find a mutually acceptable resolution. These consequences could impact both governance of and support for higher education,” his Oct. 31 letter reads.

He said although he believes “positive steps are being taken to move forward,” he is requesting that the schools “not purchase, build or lease additional space until these discussions are finalized.”

Sinclair spokesman Adam Murka said the college could not comment on the next steps for its Board of Trustees. Clark State spokesman Jennifer Dietsch said her college’s president, Jo Alice Blondin, on Oct. 31 requested a meeting with Sinclair to “solidify this partnership.”