Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: The News

Media Credit: courtesy dallascourts.net Judge Bruce Priddy

Talks have begun between the Texas Association of Community Colleges and the Texas Education Association to reverse the decision to reduce Perkins Grant funding at community colleges.

According to DCCCD Chancellor Wright Lassiter, the TA has written to the head of the TEA asking that the issue be added to the next meeting.

The Carl Perkins Grant was created to help support collegiate technical programs and prepare a workforce with the skills needed to be successful in the world market.

Lassiter explained that Perkins Grant money is divided between public and higher education. Before the reduction, 60 percent was allocated to public education while higher education received 40 percent. Following the reduction, the public schools' share will increase to 70 percent, leaving 30 percent to Texas colleges.

"All we want is a return to the 60-40 distribution," Lassiter said.

The U.S. Department of Education Web site states that the cut in the Perkins Grant is by request of the Bush Administration.

"The request is consistent with the administration's policy of eliminating funding for programs that are unable to demonstrate effectiveness, are narrowly focused, or whose objectives would be better accomplished through other programs," the site states.

In the letter to TEA Commissioner Robert Scott, Dr. Reynaldo Garcia, president of the TACC explained the essential role the grant plays in the success of technical programs.

"Perkins funs are the lifeblood for community college career and technical education programs," the letter states. "Community colleges use these funs to acquire equipment to keep programs current; to provide professional development to keep our faculty current; to upgrade curriculum to keep programs competitive; and to provide support to special populations in achieving success in career and technical education."

The letter explains that the split in funding is based on contact hours. Garcia offered the drawbacks to this formula.

"We view this approach as flawed since the two sectors [public and higher education] use distinct methods for calculating contact hours," Garcia said.

DCCCD Executive Director of Public and Governmental Affairs, Justin Lonon, said there have been many discussions regarding the new allocation's impact on institutions.

"Since the issue has not yet been resolved, we are hopeful that it could still be reconsidered," he said. "If not, then we will have to look for legislation in the next section."

According to Lassiter, other organizations have also been contacted.

"The TACC has sent the same request to the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board to seek their support," he said.

jay.embry@sbcglobal.net

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