Author Archives: garverj

System Design Takes Center Stage

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Last week, the  House Higher Education Committee met to preview three major policy reports/recommendations for higher education in Washington.

The hearing provided those of us in the audence a sense of the direction the wind is blowing on issues ranging from tuition policy to system design.  

It was clear that the greatest amount of attention was given to the work done on system design for higher education. This is not to say that tuition or technology policy, both on the agenda, were not critical. Instead it is likely that tuition policy and tranformations in the delivery of technology in higher education will be key components that will be dicussed and acted upon with the context of the system design work done over the interim.

All three reports remain in draft status as recommendations and language are finalized.  Given the testimony during the hearing it is clear that further discussion and dialogue will continue as these reports move from the Higher Education Coordinating Board and into the legislative arena.

For information on system design, tuition policy, and technology transformation go to: http://www.hecb.wa.gov/

Governor’s Staff Sees More Change

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On the heels of a change in Chief of Staff to the Governor.  Jay Manning (former Ecology director) replaced Cindy Zehnder. The Governor’s Manager for External Affairs will also have a new face. 
Marty Loesch, the Governor’s General Counsel will pick up this work.
Ron Judd who held this formerly held this position will become the Department of Transportation Outreach Director for the Alaska Way viaducvt project.

New Fiscal Analyst for House Higher Education

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In October, Higher Education welcomed a new fiscal analyst for higher education in the House of Representatives – Serah Stetson. 

Serah formerly held a positin as a fiscal analyst for General Government Operatings in the Office of Policy Research and prior to this role was a financial aid adminstrator in Washington.

Stetson replaces long-time higher education fiscal analyst Debbie Driver who recently took an analyst position with Transportation.

President Purce Discusses Impact of Budget Reductions on Evergreen

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In early October, President Purce joined the presidents of the other five, public baccalaureate institutions to testify before the Senate Higher Education Committee regarding the impact of budget reductions on Evergreen’s operating budget.

President Purce emphasized the commitment of Evergreen to current students and the Legislature’s instructions to preserve access and maintain to the extent possible the educational experience.  He highlighted the investment in financial aid, withholding 20% of tuition increases for institutional financial aid; minimization of impacts on student employment; and the expansion of enrollment.

Despite this, the bottom line for Evergreen is an unsustainable one,  stated President Purce. Evergreen’s tuition increased by 14% per year for undergraduate resident students. The College’s budget was cut 8%, primarily in non-instructional areas (i.e. student services, facilities). And increased retention – a good thing-  has led to an estimated over-enrollment of 5%.

Perhaps what is most concerning is what lies ahead. The fiscal realities, pressures for access, and risks to quality of education and affordability Washington experienced last year are not a thing of the past.

With all this said, President Purce concluded with the following. Evergreen believes that it is time to link  conversations about the immediate concern of balancing budgets with the long-term funding and policy needs identified in the state’s strategic plan for higher education. 

The Evergreen State College welcomes the opportunity to work with the Legislature to find ways to respond to the large and complex policy issues facing our state and our sector.

Legislative Staff Provide Overview on Operating Budget

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The Washington State Legislature convened several committees focused on the impact and future of the 2009-11 biennial budget during the fall Assembly Days on October 1 & 2.

Members of Senate Ways &  Means received a thorough overview of the operating budget and changes that have occurred since the budget was passed in April. Staff estimated that the Washington Legislature will face a deficit between $1 billion and $1.5 billion in the 2010 session. This is due to declining revenues, the resolution of lawsuits, and increases in caseload.   

The exact size of the deficit, however, remains unknown at this time. There are several cues to watch in the coming months to determine the true size of the deficit legislators will face in the 2010 supplemental session.

  • On November 3 Washington voters will weigh in on various initiatives that could impact the state operating budget.
  • On November 19 the November revenue forecast will be released, which will be preceded by a caseload report. 
  • In December the Governor will release her 2010 supplemental budget. 
  • Finally, between now and January the resolution of several court cases that focus on 2009-11 budget reductions in the area of human services as well as cases that center on the investment that the state has made in K-12 education will likely take place.

While we know approximately the size of the budget deficit Washington will face come January, it is still very much a game of wait and see.