FINAL BILL REPORT

ESSB 6359

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: Washington's Community and Technical College Act of 1991 provides for a state system of community and technical colleges. Each college district is required to offer thoroughly comprehensive educational, training, and service programs to meet the needs of both the communities and students served by combining, with equal emphasis, high standards of excellence in academic transfer courses; realistic and practical courses in occupational education, both graded and ungraded; community services of an educational, cultural and recreational nature; and adult education. There are currently 34 community and technical colleges in 30 community college districts.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) sets policy direction for the community and technical college system in collaboration with colleges and other system partners. It advocates for and allocates state resources to the colleges. The SBCTC is required to provide general supervision and control over the state system of community and technical colleges. Among its specific responsibilities the SBCTC must: (1) prepare a single system operating budget request and capital budget request for consideration by the Legislature; (2) disburse capital and operating funds appropriated by the Legislature to the college districts; (3) administer criteria for establishment of new colleges and for the modification of district boundary lines; (4) establish minimum standards for the operation of community and technical colleges with respect to personnel qualifications, budgeting, accounting, auditing, curriculum content, degree requirements, admission policies, and the eligibility of courses for state support; and (5) prepare a comprehensive master plan for community and technical college education.

Summary: College districts must coordinate their educational, training, and service programs with other colleges within a regional area. Basic skills, occupational, and technical training can take place in all community and technical colleges. The SBCTC has the responsibility and duty to ensure coordination between college districts. Community and technical colleges must avoid unnecessary duplication in student services and administrative functions. The SBCTC and individual college governing boards, involving faculty and staff union representatives, must identify potential administrative efficiencies, complementary administrative functions, and complementary academic programs in colleges within a regional area and must identify, develop, and adopt plans for the implementation of any changes to ensure that they meet specified criteria. Colleges are also to consider greater flexibility for students to transfer credits and obtain degrees and certificates from other colleges within the region. Cost savings are retained by the college districts to enhance student access and success. A preliminary progress report must be submitted to the appropriate legislative committees and to the Governor by December 2010. A final report is due by December 2011.

The College Board, in consultation with boards of trustees at the colleges, establishes criteria and procedures for consolidating district structures to form multiple campus districts. In the event that educational programs are identified for consolidation, the SBCTC is required to convene faculty and staff to help in developing consolidation plans that would impact their programs and collective bargaining agreements. Primary consideration is given to how proposed changes would affect student access; full-time faculty recruitment, development, and retention; academic programs; and the expected financial efficiencies. By December 2012, the College Board must evaluate any proposed district consolidations or boundary changes.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	1
House	96	2	(House amended)
Senate	48	0	(Senate concurred)