The first draft of a charter for the Bartow County College and Career Academy is being reviewed by the Bartow County School Board.

The draft was presented at a work session held June 11.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Dr. Paul Sabin, who has been spearheading the process. “The Bartow County College and Career Academy has been a joint effort between the community, local businesses and industry, all the educators both kindergarten through [grade] 12 and post secondary…have all been at the table.”

Sabin said about 104 people have served on the committee which has been charged with laying the necessary groundwork for the academy.

Now that a draft has been presented to the school board, the process can continue to move forward.

Final approval of the charter application from the Bartow County Board is expected by July 23, Sabin said.

The charter application then must be submitted to the state Board of Education for approval. Once the charter is approved by the state Board of Education, the college and career academy is eligible to apply for a grant, which Sabin said totals about $3 million.

The board can expect a decision on the grant application by December, Sabin said.

“If all goes well,” Sabin said the academy can expect to be open by fall 2013.

“That will be an exciting time,” Sabin said.

Rick Kollhoff, who is chairman of the authoring committee for the academy said the college and career academy offers unique opportunities for Bartow County students.

Kollhoff said the academy hopes to increase the graduation rate, increase students getting more college credits, increase the number of students passing end of course exams, get students and get students “career ready.”

Janet Queen, chairperson for the steering committee for the academy said the college and career academy is a “dream come true” and is slated to be an asset to the Bartow County community.

“The community has pulled together and united as one for the future of our county,” Queen said.