A longtime Columbus educator who has directed the McDowell Education Center the past 10 years is getting ready to retire.
Andrea Quick started her career with the district in 1992 at the Columbus Area Career Connection, commonly known as C4, based at Columbus North High School. During her 15 years in that position, Quick was involved in helping students as part of a school-to-work placement initiative, she said.
In 2007, she became director of the McDowell Education Center, which provides services to diverse age groups — from infants to adult learners working toward a high school equivalency diploma.
She will step into retirement at the end of June, wrapping up 25 years with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.
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What differentiates McDowell from other BCSC schools is an ability for the McDowell staff to focus more heavily on individuals’ needs, she said.
“We’re a nontraditional pathway for graduation,” Quick said.
Also offered through the McDowell Education Center:
The McDowell Alternative Education Center, which serves 181 students.
Bright Beginnings childcare program, which serves infants starting at 6 weeks old.
C4 cosmetology and English Language Learners programs.
The alternative high school gives students some flexibility depending on their circumstances — such as those who are parents or expectant parents, students who work and must do so to meet financial obligations, and others who have struggled academically. Home school and alternative school staff meet with students and their parents to develop an Individualized Success Plan.
Most of the alternative high school students also spend time daily at their home high school, where elective classes are offered.
Connecting with students
Quick said she enjoys being able to get to know individuals being served at McDowell, no matter what age they are.
“They’re wanting to learn and be successful,” she said. “Students are the focus of all of our work.”
Quick has seen growth take place at McDowell, where 700 individuals were enrolled last year in the adult education program. Enrollment in adult education fluctuates with the unemployment rate, however.
During the Great Recession in 2008-09, when unemployment was higher, for example, McDowell had 900 students in adult education classes, she said.
To better serve adult learners, night classes are available for students who have daytime commitments, she said.
For adults who dropped out of high school before graduating, McDowell offers a chance for to earn a high school equivalency diploma.
That’s a first step toward earning certifications that will benefit them in the workforce and significantly increase their earnings, Quick said.
McDowell’s adult education program is one of the largest of its size in Region 9, which encompasses a 10-county area in southeastern Indiana. Besides quantity, the school has also developed a reputation for quality. McDowell teachers have been recognized at the state level for their work, Quick said.
“It’s been a privilege to lead such a high-performing faculty and staff,” she said.
Quick said one of the biggest challenges is trying to promote the work that McDowell does and the individuals it serves.
Thirty to 40 high school students are able to develop their cosmetology skills through the C4 program, Quick said.
But that’s just one example.
“We do everything from changing diapers to giving haircuts to teaching English,” she said. “We’ve tried really hard to do the right things for the right reasons across the board.”
Family ties
Quick is an individual who cares about others around her, said TJ Skinner, administrative assistant at McDowell Education Center.
“The thing I’m most proud of is that our students feel safe and welcome here,” Quick said.
The staff’s ongoing dedication to assuring that makes stepping away difficult, she said.
“The culture here is such a family and they’re so mission-driven to serve the people we work with. That’s hard to leave that,” Quick said.
“It’s time to do other things,” she said, however.
For example, Quick and her husband are planning to build a horse farm on 34 acres on the west side of Columbus.
Former BCSC Superintendent John Quick retired two years ago after a 25-year BCSC career, including the final 13 years as superintendent.
Having both spouses retired will provide more opportunities for them to travel, especially for family get-togethers.
Daughter Megan and her family live in Washington, D.C. Son John lives in Los Angeles.
Quick said she hopes to stay involved in the community after retirement. That includes staying associated with the Council for Youth Development, a community-wide initiative working to give students access to assets they need to be successful.
Replacing Quick effective July 1 will be Megan Shaff, counselor in pupil services at Columbus Signature Academy — New Tech High School.
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Age: 61
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing education from Indiana State University; master’s degree in administration from Indiana University
Background: Started career with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. in 1992 as an interdisciplinary cooperative education teacher, a role she served in for 15 years. Quick was then hired as director of the McDowell Education Center.
Family: Married to husband John; two adult children, Megan and John
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Top developments from Bartholomew Consolidated School Board meeting. See story inside on Page XX.
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