FORT WORTH -- Though Texas community colleges are emerging from the 82nd Legislature with funding levels similar to those of 2010-11, some say the money won't be enough to meet growth.
Community college funding for the upcoming two-year budget cycle appears to be about $1.7 billion for instructional funds versus the $1.9 billion that the colleges received in the last budget cycle, according to the Texas Association of Community Colleges.The cut in classroom-related dollars also comes on top of community colleges losing state contributions to employee health insurance and retirement benefits. Reductions in the state's financial aid for low-income students will also affect community colleges, a college official said.The community college budget is part of the $21.7 billion that's been recommended for Texas higher education, but lawmakers continue working on critical budget issues in the special session called by Gov. Rick Perry, and some funding totals may be adjusted."We had overall cuts in this session," Tarrant County College Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley said. "We have to work harder with the money we do have."Could be worseWhile community college officials weren't necessarily happy with the amount coming from the state, the news in higher education wasn't as dire as it was in January, when an estimated $1.7 billion in cuts was proposed for 2012-13 in a plan drafted by the Texas House.On the table were drastic cuts in formula funding -- one mechanism, based partly on enrollment, by which universities and colleges get state dollars. Formula funding is typically about a third of community college revenue, which also includes tuition and fees and local property taxes.Also, in early House plans, several community colleges had zero funding, including Ranger College, a small institution 85 miles west of Fort Worth. The school had funding in the Senate version, and it is funded in the latest budget."As winter turned to spring and spring approached summer, things became brighter on the higher education landscape, but it was certainly not a bellwether year for Texas two-year colleges," Ranger President William Campion said.Lawmakers held formula funding for community colleges at the 2010-11 levels, signaling recognition that underfunding those institutions isn't in the interest of Texas' economy, said Dominic Chavez, spokesman for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in Austin."Community colleges are a low-cost option and a reliable option that Texas should continue to strengthen," Chavez said.But Texas community colleges are still reeling from some 7.5 percent in previous cuts to higher education, said Steve Johnson, spokesman for the Texas Association of Community Colleges in Austin."That's a new base that has been reduced by 7.5 percent," Johnson said, adding that that is compounded by growing needs associated with historic enrollments at community colleges.ChallengesTexas' 50 college districts will have to make up differences even as property values are flat or declining, Johnson said. Many community colleges have to decide whether to raise tuition or shrink programs, he said.Tarrant County College's recommended academic funding is $41.2 million per year for 2012-13, according to the conference committee report (HB1) available on the Legislative Budget Board's website. TCC is looking for savings in next year's budget. The board of trustees is set to discuss the budget in a meeting June 18."We get some additional money from the increase in student enrollment," Hadley said, adding that significant savings are possible by combining or eliminating classes with low enrollment. TCC is also looking at increasing class sizes by two or three students each.The college district recently offered a voluntary buyout for long-term employees and plans to outsource facilities, maintenance and custodial work at the new Trinity River East Campus."We all understand the deficit that the state is facing," Hadley said. "It makes it a lot more challenging for community colleges because people are coming to us for the answers with the economy the way it is."Diane Smith, 817-390-7675Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
