College prepares for legislative session

Flathead Valley Community College is preparing for the 2011 Montana legislative session with a straightforward goal.

"Right now, the funding we get from the state will be the main issue we focus on," college President Jane Karas said. "We're not going to ask for extra funding for special projects."

Like most other educators across Montana, Karas was pleased that community colleges got a boost rather than a reduction in the governor's proposed budget.

"There's an increase in this biennium compared to last," she said. "That's a good place to start."

Gov. Brian Schweitzer's initial budget proposal included $5.5 million in increased funding for community colleges. Where the budget finishes when the final gavel falls remains anyone's guess.

As in previous sessions, Karas plans to support the college's budget needs by providing information as requested by legislators.

"We'll share our story about what is happening in Northwest Montana and why education is important for preparing our work force," she said.

She said requests for testimony come throughout the session as committees schedule hearings. In past years, the college has invited students to go to Helena to share their perspectives.

During the legislative process, Karas coordinates with Dawson Community College and Miles Community College officials. She said they are preparing to discuss how best to present information as legislators delve into education budget line items.

"We usually work together because our funding comes together," Karas said.

The state appropriates education dollars according to each college's projection of enrollment in the next biennium.

It's crucial that institutions hit close to the mark because they must return money if their estimate is too high, yet they receive no reimbursement if course enrollment exceeds their estimates.

Karas agreed that coming up with the number combines art and science. She said the college has estimated course enrollment at the equivalent of 50 fewer full-time students compared to this year.

"We project pretty conservatively," she said.

Over a 10-year period, Flathead Valley Community College has shown steady increases in enrollment. But within that period, unexpected changes in the economy caused blips up and down in enrollment.

"We think the economy is slowly starting to turn around," Karas said. "A number of students who came to be retrained will be returning to the work force."

The college loses some students and more go to college part time during periods of high employment. However, Karas said the college has begun working on ideas to increase student retention.

"It's a very fine science looking at all the variables that impact student enrollment," she said.

According to Karas, the college hasn't developed any positions on proposed bills impacting education except the budget bills. She wasn't aware of a bill eliminating tenure that newly elected state Rep. Derek Skees, R-Whitefish, reportedly has started drafting.

"I haven't seen that one yet," she said. "We'll have to follow that story."

So far, the college hasn't had formal meetings with local legislators. Karas said she looks forward to interacting with them in Helena.

"For the most part, our legislators in the Flathead Valley are very supportive of the community college," she said.

The Legislature convenes on Jan. 3.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.