Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Columbus Department of Development is proposing to enter into a Jobs Growth Incentive Agreement with Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of personal income tax withheld on new employees to Columbus for a term of five (5) years. The company will invest approximately $3 million to increase capacity at 3700 S. High Street, and to create 90 new full-time permanent positions and retain 277 full-time permanent employees.
Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, also known as ECOT, was started in 2000 and is headquartered in Columbus. The school provides fully accredited, tuition free public schooling for K-12 students. It is the largest online school in the nation with more than 15,000 students enrolled. The online school graduates more students than any in the US and more than many of the Ohio districts combined.
The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow graduated 21 students in 2001 and over 1700 students in 2011. The school provides academic flexibility to suit a wide variety of learning styles, interests and special circumstances. The students that enroll at online schools range from exceptional students to "at-risk" students that have not been successful in traditional schools for a number of reasons. As in a traditional public school, the students attend one of three divisions that are each supervised by a principal.
Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow has acquired its existing facility at 3700 S. High Street for $2.95 million and will invest $125,000 in building improvements. A total of 90 new permanent full-time positions will be created in Columbus and 277 permanent full-time jobs will be retained, as a result of the project.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a Jobs Growth Incentive Agreement with Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of...
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