HB 2076 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Directs the board to develop a statewide strategic plan for higher education in Washington state that proposes a vision, goals, priorities, and specific strategies for maintaining and expanding access, affordability, quality, efficiency, and accountability among the various institutions of higher education.

Provides that, in developing the statewide strategic plan, the board shall collaborate with the four-year institutions of higher education, the community and technical college system, and, when appropriate, the work force training and education coordinating board, the superintendent of public instruction, and the independent higher education institutions. The board shall also seek input from students, community and business leaders in the state, members of the legislature, and the governor.

Provides that as a foundation for the statewide strategic plan, the board shall develop and establish role and mission statements for each of the four-year institutions of higher education and the community and technical college system.

Establishes a joint select committee to review options pertaining to the higher education coordinating board.

Directs the joint select committee to examine the following issues: (1) Options for reassigning or altering the responsibilities of the board to administer financial aid and other programs;

(2) Options to strengthen, reduce, or eliminate other responsibilities of the board, including but not limited to review of institution operating and capital budget requests; approval of off-campus programs, centers, and consortia; monitoring institution performance measures; and gathering and analyzing data; and

(3) Options for having the board fulfill its other responsibilities through performance-based compacts between institutions of higher education and the state, with the board acting as the state's negotiator and performance monitor.

Requires the joint select committee to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 15, 2003.