Committee selected to review Kan. Senate Bill 434

Citizens have responded to a call to join a committee to review a Kansas Senate Bill that could have an affect on Fort Scott Community College.

Karla Armstrong, FSCC dean of finance and operations, said Tuesday afternoon "approximately" 30 citizens have been selected for the committee. The deadline to join the committee was Monday. However, Armstrong said nothing has been officially confirmed yet because the school is still in the process of finding a facilitator for the meetings.

"We're going to bring someone in, for instance from Greenbush, to facilitate the meetings," Armstrong said. "A third-party to bring all the interest together. We've reached out to several resources and we're just waiting to confirm that availability. And then we'll communicate the first meeting and hopefully that will be next week."

The topic of SB 434 was heavily discussed during the March 24 FSCC Board of Trustees regular meeting. If passed, the bill would allow community colleges to reduce a portion of their mill levy in exchange for state dollars. If the bill continues through the proper channels and isn't changed FSCC could have a chance to participate in the program.

Armstrong was unsure of the total number of potential meetings the committee will hold, but said the goal is to meet weekly. Armstrong said she will be present during the meetings in the capacity of clerk. According to Armstrong, FSCC President Clayton Tatro will act as the secretary (or recorder). Participating trustees' include Mark McCoy, Dick Hedges and FSCC board President Robert Nelson.

"I think that the goal here is for interested parties to come together as a part of researching the legislation that's been presented," Armstrong said. "And if it would pass, to have an informed community-wide decision for the board to consider."

Kansas Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Ty Masterson, a District 16 Republican, said in March that he was heavily involved in the writing of SB 434. If the bill eventually passes, 19 community colleges in Kansas would have an opportunity to submit a written proposal for state funding. The bill states, "The SUCCESS selection committee shall select at least one, but not more than two applicants as participants in the program."