Weatherford College President Kevin Eaton has a repair list for his aging campus that could use a boost from federal dollars promised by President Barack Obama.
At Tarrant County College, the South and Northeast campuses are also more than 40 years old and could use upgrades."If we have an opportunity -- yes, we will consider asking for grants," said Bill Greenhill, president of the Tarrant County College District board of trustees.Obama recently submitted to Congress the American Jobs Act, a plan to spur economic growth and employment. The bill includes a $5 billion investment in modernizing community colleges. That detail is a sign to area higher education leaders that the president understands that these institutions are key to economic redevelopment."If you overlook community colleges, you have made a mistake," Eaton said, adding that those institutions are the place to go to find skilled workers.The tough economy boosted enrollment in community colleges as people retrained for new demands in the workforce. For example, TCC's fall 2011 enrollment rose 1.9 percent over last year, with 50,062 students on its five campuses."We've been real crucial in these economic times," said TCC Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley. She said Obama's focus on community colleges is "right on target."$458 million for TexasA fact sheet issued by the White House press office states that community colleges are "in serious need of upgrades to ensure that facilities are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce."The White House adds that America's community college system was built over 40 years ago to support education and training of that time. Obama's plan would modernize, renovate and repair aging community colleges, including tribal colleges. The colleges have an estimated $100 billion in deferred maintenance -- projects placed on hold -- according to the White House.Under the plan, $458.4 million would be available to Texas. The money could be used only for the repair, renovation or modernization of facilities used primarily for instruction and research, including those that prepare students for in-demand jobs.TCC leaders had already planned for some renovations and upgrades when Obama's proposal was released. In August, trustees adopted an estimated $348.9 million budget for fiscal 2012 that raises next year's property tax rate by 8 percent and tuition by 4 percent.The budget included renovations and modernization plans for several facilities, including repairs to the firing range and a new entrance road at the Northwest Campus. "South Campus, Northeast and Northwest are all in line for upgrades, remodeling and replacement," Trustee Louise Appleman said.Appleman said TCC would welcome "a trickle" of the federal dollars Obama is proposing for community colleges. "The wish list is always bigger than what you are able to do," she said.College officials said the priorities would be safety and security upgrades, energy conservation, renovations to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and building repairs.Weatherford's Eaton said his main campus, which opened in 1969, has been maintained but still needs work.With more resources, Eaton said, he could upgrade technology to create interactive classrooms. Renovations would include roof repair and replacement, lighting and electrical upgrades, and accommodations for people with disabilities.Eaton would also like to add panic boxes and security lighting.But he said he is cautiously optimistic, noting that Obama's previous attempt to aid community colleges through the American Graduation Initiative didn't pass. That proposal would have invested about $12 billion in community colleges over 10 years, according to the Brookings Institution.Yet community college leaders said their institutions respond to changes in the economy. In 2008, for example, TCC offered a Barnett Shale Roustabout 101 course to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry.Investing in community colleges allows this work to continue, said Tahita Fulkerson, president of the TCC Trinity River Campus."Community colleges are geared to be nimble to respond to specific needs of industry," Fulkerson said. "We are nimble and accessible in price."Diane Smith, 817-390-7675Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
