Friday September 22, 2017 12:01 AM

By Keith Smoker - Reading Eagle correspondent / Muhlenberg Township, PA

The Berks County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors recognized Dr. Anna D. Weitz as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Community Partner Award.

Weitz has served about 10 years as president of Reading Area Community College and has fostered relationships with area schools, colleges and organizations to improve overall education levels in the county.

Weitz recently announced that she was retiring next year.

Officials said that Weitz has supported BCIU in many ways, including being a resource for administration and staff; serving the unit and county school districts as part of the Berks County Career Pathways Alliance; and providing valuable input to create a K-12 framework focused on career pathways and facilitating postsecondary learning.

Weitz was also credited with increasing dual enrollment partnerships with 17 public and private schools in the county.

BCIU Executive Director Dr. Jill M. Hackman said that Weitz has enhanced learning opportunities for students, thus increasing the overall educational attainment level of the county, resulting in a stronger workforce.

"Berks County Intermediate Unit is truly fortunate to have such an outstanding community partner who supports the efforts of the BCIU," Hackman said.

In other business on Thursday, Hackman said that the unit has an impasse plan in case the state budget is not passed by early October.

The plan includes seeking financing, saving on transportation costs and delaying rent payments.

"We continue to be creative if the budget does not pass," she said.