GOSHEN — A new group that hopes to transform education in Elkhart County gained support from local leaders Tuesday to pay $64,000 in benefits for two of the organization’s employees for the next 16 months.

The Elkhart County Board of Commissioners unanimously recommended approval to make Horizon Education Alliance executive director Brian Wiebe and research assistant Aliah Carolan-Silva county employees. While their salaries would be covered by grants and Horizon’s partnership with businesses, public schools and nonprofit groups, their fringe benefits would be funded by the county’s environmental special projects account, if approved by the Elkhart County Council later this month.

“I think it’s a very important project, and I’m hoping it can change the whole community for the future,” commissioner Frank Lucchese said.

The alliance formed in January to expand education opportunities from early childhood to adulthood, commissioner Mike Yoder explained. The Elkhart County Council is expected to make a final vote on Horizon’s request at a special meeting Sept. 28.

Commissioner Terry Rodino described Horizon as a “game changer” for people living in Elkhart County.

“This is, to me, money well spent,” he said. “I am in total favor. I like everything this alliance is starting, what it’s done so far, and I like the speed it’s moving at. I like all of the things it’s encompassing.”