News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 27, 2009
Community and Technical College Board considers long-term mission and $1.8 million in performance-based awards to colleges
OLYMPIA – The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) will meet at Skagit Valley College on Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30. Key topics include the system mission, a joint session with the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB), and the awarding of the first Student Achievement Initiative funds totaling $1.8 million to the 34 system colleges.
“After two years of learning and analysis, hard work by the colleges, and outstanding results in improving student achievement, the Board is thrilled to make this first set of awards,” said Sharon Fairchild, State Board member and chair of the Student Achievement Initiative task force.
“One of the goals of the State Board is to increase educational attainment for all residents across the state. This effort is the system’s response to meeting that goal,” said Charlie Earl, SBCTC executive director.
Primary areas measured were improving preparation for college-level courses; building to a year of college credit; completing college-level math; as well as completing certificates, apprenticeship training and associate’s degrees.
The Student Achievement Initiative has garnered national attention and is being watched closely by policymakers in this and other states. It is supported by Governor Gregoire and the state Legislature. In addition to state funding, grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ford Foundation recently provided new funds for the initiative.
On Thursday, a joint session with HECB members will examine common interests of both the HECB Higher Education System Design Study and the State Board’s Mission Study.
Jan Yoshiwara, SBCTC executive deputy director of education, will share findings and draft recommendations of the community and technical college system Mission Study task force. Among other things, the study addressed closing the skills gap, limited resources, service delivery, campus locations and boundaries, technology, faculty development, and access for underserved populations.
The State Board will preview the 2010 Supplemental Operating and Capital budgets.
The Board and executive director will meet with Skagit Valley College Trustees and staff for a reception and dinner at 5:30 p.m., at the Skagit Valley College Café. No official actions are taken during meals.
On Friday, the Board and staff will meet for continental breakfast before the regular business meeting, which features a host college presentation by Dr. Gary Tollefson, Skagit Valley College president.
The Board will hear staff updates regarding system technology changes and a legislative session outlook.
The Board will consider approval of the 2010 Supplemental Operating Budget and the 2010 Supplemental Capital Budget.
Except for executive sessions, all meetings are open to the public and will be held at Skagit Valley College, 2405 East College Way, Mount Vernon, building C, Knutzen Cardinal Center.
The meeting agenda and background materials can be found at http://www.sbctc.edu/general/_a-agenda.aspx.
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Contact: Janelle Runyon
360-704-4310 jrunyon@sbctc.edu
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