Posted by Molly
I attended the HECB meeting earlier this week. The agenda for the two-day meeting consisted of one part work session and one part Board meeting.
The work session on the first day included committee reports on several key areas of the HECB’s Strategic Master Plan. First up on the agenda was the report on Policy and Demographic Analysis which sought to examine the state’s demographic and participation trends in those pursuing post-secondary education in order to identify target populations in the future.. The findings were not surprising. Based on the data, students from low-incomes families, students of color and people of working age (18-34) are prime demographic groups in need of more post-secondary education opportunities. There was discussion on possible policy recommendations to provide incentives for these target groups: expansion of dual-credit programs, establishment of a College Opportunity Incentive Network (COIN) that would coordinate individual policy efforts to encourage post-secondary education (GET for every student, Navigation 101, college students as mentors, etc.), and greater emphasis on teacher preparation.
Looking at the projected demographics was a very interesting and complex conversation which segued nicely into the Economic Needs Assessment presentation. This conversation centered primarily on getting students to pursue degree programs that will meet the economic employment demands for the next 10 years. Some of the preliminary conclusions from the committee were that there will be tremendous need in STEM programs (those that involve extensive math and science), construction, and health sciences and services; there must be a proactive and coordinated effort with education and workforce policymakers to ensure that the workforce is prepared for the jobs of tomorrow; and that those already in the workforce have the opportunity to gain the skills and education to stay competitive.
Finally, there was an update on the status of institutional performance agreements. So far, all six institutions (UW, WSU, WWU, EWU, CWU and TESC) have submitted proposals and appear to be committed to the process. The next challenge will be for all of them to reach an agreement.
The second day of the meeting consisted of discussion and approval of CORE 24 – the State Board of Education’s proposal for a new set of high graduation requirements. However, the bulk of the day was dedicated to the Higher Education Operating and Capital Budget requests in the upcoming legislative session. With the economy in upheaval and the budget forecasts predicting a large deficit, there is significant worry that higher education funding is at risk this session. Given the revenue projections for the state, the Board examined two alternative funding levels to help evaluate and prioritize expenditure requests for the proposed 2009-11 biennium. The two levels are:
Level 1: Sustaining Quality, Access and the State’s competitiveness; and
Level 2: Building a foundation for Excellence.
It is clear that the Board realizes the need to protect maintenance level funding, but values building the infrastructure necessary for higher education in Washington State to remain relevant and competitive. Finding the balance between these two concepts will most likely be on the top of the agenda when the Board meets again in October.
