Nebraska\u2019s six community colleges would receive funding based on a new formula under a bill considered during an Education Committee hearing Jan. 24.<\/p>\n
LB946, introduced by York Sen. Greg Adams, would establish a formula for distributing appropriated funds to community colleges. After months of negotiations, Adams said all parties were looking forward to returning to business as usual.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is most important at this point is that we\u2019ve finally found some common ground,\u201d Adams said. \u201cThey want to get on with the business of running community colleges and not feuding over state aid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Funds would be distributed based on a number of factors under the bill. The initial amount of appropriated state aid, up to $87.8 million, would be allocated based on the proportionate share of aid received by each community college for fiscal year 2012-13.<\/p>\n
Funds in excess of the $87.8 million, up to $500,000, would be appropriated to the Nebraska Community College Student Performance and Occupational Education Grant Fund. The six schools could apply for any portion of that money. An appointed committee would determine how that money is to be allocated.<\/p>\n
Any funds remaining after the first two allocations have been made would be distributed as follows:
\n\u2022 25 percent divided equally to the six community colleges;
\n\u2022 45 percent based on each school\u2019s average full-time enrollment numbers; and
\n\u2022 30 percent based on each college\u2019s average reimbursable educational units.<\/p>\n
Beginning in FY2013-14, community colleges also would be granted aggregate levy authority of 11.25 cents per $100 of taxable valuation.<\/p>\n
Todd Holcomb, Western Nebraska Community College president, testified in support of the bill. He said the bill allows for growth and flexibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have far greater similarities than differences,\u201d Holcomb said. \u201cWe need to support our common goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dave Newell of Omaha said he could not support the bill as it is currently written. He believes Omaha\u2019s Metro Community College would receive a disproportionate percentage of state funding based on the number of students the school serves.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not getting our fair share back,\u201d Newell said. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing fair for our taxpayers in this process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marshall Hill, representing the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, testified in a neutral capacity. He said he worries about the quality of data used to build the aid formula but supports the solution.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to keep funds dedicated for higher education focused on their initial purpose,\u201d Hill said.<\/p>\n
The committee voted to advance the bill to general file on a 6-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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