Push to limit local control could hurt state colleges, leaders say

State college leaders say a bill aimed at reducing waste and duplication between Florida’s higher education institutions could hamstring their ability to meet local demands for graduates with bachelors degrees.

The proposal, which cleared a preliminary vote in a Senate subcommittee meeting last week, would cap the percentage of state college students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs, transfer oversight to a community college board and rename the state colleges, which would once again be known as community colleges.

“It’s going to have a huge impact,” Seminole State President Ann McGee said. “One of our strengths has always been the local control piece, where we can meet local needs. If you have a state board that then has control over that, your ability to respond to local workforce needs is going to be very hindered.”

Higher education reform has been a priority of Senate President Joe Negron, who championed a bill during the last session that contained many of the same proposals. Gov. Rick Scott vetoed the bill, saying he thought it would “impede” progress at state colleges, partly because it limited their ability to offer four-year degrees.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/education/school-zone/os-state-college-proposal-20171121-story.html