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Minutes for HB2164 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Adding an additional member to the board of trustees of Cowley county community college.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 1, 2017
Chairperson Aurand opened the hearing on HB2164 and asked Jason Long for a summary of the bill.
Jason Long stated that the bill is related only to Cowley County Community College. The legislation would add a member to the Board of Trustees to be elected by the voters of Sumner County so long as the County provides financial support to the college. (Attachment 1)
Jason Long responded to questions from Representatives Winn, Crum, and Ousley. He stated he would send Representative Winn information on how most Kansas board of trustees obtain members.
Chairperson Aurand invited conferees to speak.
Dr. Rittle introduced his staff, Executive Director Stacy Davis, Chairperson Casie Risley, Vice-Chair Jane Cole, and Treasurer Kathleen Terry, and testified about the history of the college and the need to have a strong link to the Sumner County taxpayers that have supported the new campus. He urged the Committee to vote in favor of the bill. (Attachment 2)
Jessica Lucas stated Cowley College is a vocational school for the local population. She urged the Committee to vote for the bill and provide Sumner County voters a voice in the new stage of Cowley College. She announced the $15,000 four-year tuition challenge Governor Brownback had given schools in Kansas had been answered by Cowley College, and the official announcement would be made the following day. (Attachment 3)
Representative Trimmer noted this is a unique situation in Kansas education because of the taxation issue.
Dr. Ritter and Ms. Lucas responded to questions from Chairperson Aurand and Representative Dietrich.
There being no other conferees, Chairperson Aurand closed the hearing on HB2164 and adjourned the meeting at 3:58 p.m. The next meeting of the House Education Committee will be February 9.
