College Publisher Test Site

During last month's Daytona State College Board of Trustees meeting, members discussed the high cost of textbooks that are imposed on students and ways to eliminate the hassle and expenses.

The school has been in talks with publishers to convert the textbooks used by the students into digital books. The proposal is to have books that would be accessed via the web or through the Kindle, Sony Reader, or iPad.

"I started doing research on anything to bring the cost down," said Rand Spiwak, Executive Vice President of Daytona State. "We will try to get an online or e-text system. Interactive books where students could touch a link and get streaming video on their topic."

The Board is also looking into the FIPSE Grant, which awards $240,000 for innovative reform projects that promise to be models for advancing the quality of postsecondary education and increasing student access.

Another topic also discussed was the future of the Mike Curb building. The discussion focused on adding the Curb building to the News Journal Center, which would not only spare parking spaces that would be lost due to the construction of the center, but would also cut costs.

"If we stick the two buildings together it may work," said DSC President Dr. Kent Sharples. "If that does work, it will take a lot of heat off of us."

Dr. Mary Bennett said, "I think it would be a wonderful way to revitalize downtown Daytona. I think it is a wonderful idea."

Sharples also received many calls after it was reported by the Daytona Beach News-Journal that DSC was interested in 100 acres of land to expand the school. In turn, the board agreed to allow the school to advertise to find the best possible land for a secondary main campus.

Nicole Brown, president of SGA, announced that Mr. and Ms. Daytona State, Jerred Mason and Michelle Underwood, would participate in the Daytona Beach Christmas Parade this season.

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