The Northeast Texas Community College Board of Trustees met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 25. In addition to action items, Dr. Ron Clinton, President, gave a report on the Community College Finance Commission.
Clinton reported that Senate Bill 1230, which created the Finance Commission, was passed and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott during the 87th legislative session. The goal of the 12-member commission is to make recommendations for consideration by the 88th legislature regarding an updated funding model for the State’s fifty public community colleges that would be sufficient to sustain the critical education and training offerings needed for a strong Texas workforce.
“We will be watching the work of this commission closely as they make recommendations. Finding a solution that provides adequate funding for community colleges while minimizing the burden on taxpayers is a huge challenge,” Clinton said.
In his report, Clinton covered a variety of ideas being considered by the commission, including case studies of funding models in other states like California, Tennessee and Oregon.
“Most of these new models focus heavily on student success outcomes. Regardless of how we are funded, NTCC and other community colleges will continue to adapt to meet the needs of the Texas economy and help provide trained workers in key industries that keep our state moving,” Clinton said.
In action items, the board approved calling a general election for May 2022. Place 1 of the Board of Trustees, currently held by Frankie King of Camp County, and Place 5, held by Stephanie Thurman of Titus County, are both up for re-election.
The board also approved a proposal to renovate NTCC’s simulation lab in the University Health Science Center. They accepted a bid from Jacobe Brothers Construction to complete the needed work for $783,000. Contingent on approval from the U.S. Department of Education, the project will be funded through Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) allocated to NTCC. The updated simulation lab will drastically increase the space available and will incorporate new simulation technology. This will allow for greater social distancing and enhanced clinical experiences for health science students without leaving campus.
There was a brief discussion about the annual Board Evaluation Outcomes and the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Chuck Johns. The board did not hold an executive session.
