House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for SB32 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Authorizing school districts to pay the tuition for a student's dual or concurrent enrollment in a postsecondary educational institution and requiring a tuition waiver for foster children who are dually or concurrently enrolled.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 17, 2021
Chairperson Huebert opened the meeting and asked for approval of the minutes.
Representative Clark moved, Representative Thomas seconded, to accept the minutes of February 23, 24, March 10, and 11, as written. Motion passed.
Chairperson Huebert opened the hearing on SB32.
Revisor Nick Myers gave an overview of the bill. It was noted that much of this bill was contained in legislation from 2020, and passed the house before fading due to Covid. (Attachment 1)
Dr. Blake Flanders spoke on behalf of the Kansas Board of Regents to encourage the Committee to pass this legislation. He explained some of the positive outcomes of concurrent courses for students. (Attachment 2)
Matt Lindsey, spoke for the twenty accredited not-for-profit independent colleges, and he stated that his organization is full-throated in support of this bill. There are many relationships between the small Kansas colleges and local high schools. About 7% class enrollment is due to concurrent enrollment, lower because of Covid, but he is sure it will rebound. (Attachment 3)
Heather Morgan, speaking for the Kansas Community Colleges Trust Organization, shared how positive this bill is for Kansas students, especially for low income students. She also noted foster care students in particular will benefit. She explained the amendments in the Senate bill were brought as clean up amendments by her organization. (Attachment 4)
Terrell Davis, Wichita Public Schools, spoke positively about the college career pipeline. He spoke about students that are bored and need these challenging classes. He shared the programs that can be established with the help of this bill. He closed by saying, "If you want to lift yourself, lift someone else," a quote from Booker T Washington. (Attachment 5)
Mark Tallman, speaking for the Kansas Association of School Boards, briefly stressed that this is not mandatory, but another tool that school boards can use if they wish. (Attachment 6)
Jessica Lucas spoke on behalf of the business community, for the Wichita Chamber. They strongly support this bill. She urged the Committee to pass this bill. (Attachment 7)
Written Proponents
Deena Horst and Ben Jones, Legislative Liaisons, Kansas State Board of Education (Attachment 8)
Eric Stafford, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Kansas Chamber (Attachment 9)
Neutral Written
Tanya Keys, Deputy Secretary, Kansas Department for Children and Families (Attachment 10)
There was a period of questions for the Conferees.
The Chairperson closed the hearing on SB32.
