Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education Board Room 111 Executive Center Drive Columbia, SC 29210
Via Zoom
Meeting Minutes
10:00 A.M. January 26, 2021
PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: Gregory B. Askins, Chair Tim Hardee, System President Anthony Garvin Barker Joren Bartlett, Vice President of Governmental Affairs Robert E. Barnett Amy Firestone, Vice President of Apprenticeship Carolina Gwendolyn A. Bright Warren Ganjehsani, Chief Legal Counsel Grantland Burns Randall Johnson, Vice President for Finance Philip G. Homan Brad Neese, Vice President of Economic Development Montez C. Martin Kandy Peacock, Vice President for Human Resources Roger P. Schrum Kelly Steinhilper, Vice President for Communications Karen Woodward Rosline Sumpter, Interim Executive Vice President Matthew L. Yaun Daniel Young
ABSENT: ABSENT: Warren L. Helm Khushru Tata Ralph A. Odom, Jr. Karen Taylor
GUESTS: Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, President, Horry-Georgetown Technical College Ashley Jaillette, Executive Director, SC Association of Technical College Commissioners Regine Rucker, Program Manager, Academic Affairs, SC Commission on Higher Education
NOTIFICATION OF MEDIA The State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education complied with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act in notifying the media and posting the agenda for the State Board meeting.
CALL TO ORDER – Gregory B. Askins, Chair Chairman Askins called the meeting to order and welcomed guests: Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, President, Horry-Georgetown Technical College; Ashley Jaillette, Executive Director, SC Association Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 of Technical College Commissioners; and Regine Rucker, Program Manager, Academic Affairs, SC Commission on Higher Education.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORTS: A. Economic Development and Training Committee – Robert E. Barnett, Chair Project Budget for State Board Approval: Chairman Askins gave the floor to Mr. Barnett. He immediately motioned to go into Executive Session to discuss a project approval over 200,000 which was seconded by Mr. Homan. Brad Neese and Dr. Hardee were asked to remain. The motion passed unanimously, and they entered into Executive Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
S.C. Code of Laws Section 30-4-70(a)(2)(5) – A public body may hold a meeting closed to the public for one or more of the following reasons:
(2) Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements and proposed sale or purchase of property, the receipt of legal advice where the legal advice relates to a pending, threatened, or potential claim or other matters covered by the attorney-client privilege, settlement of legal claims, or the position of the public agency in other adversary situations involving the assertion against the agency of a claim…. (5) Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or the provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body….
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
The Committee returned to Open Session. Mr. Barnett stated that no votes were taken during Executive Session and he entertained a motion to approve the readySC™ capital project over $200,000 that was discussed. Mr. Martin motioned to change the concluding date on the budget discussed from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2022. The affirmative vote was unanimous.
Project Budgets for Ratification: Mr. Barnett stated that there were four readySC™ project budgets for ratification under $200,000 totaling $328,488 with a capital investment of $137M. He reviewed the details of the four projects, noting that one company had a lower starting wage which was due to the fact that they are not requiring any previous manufacturing experience.
E-Zone Retraining Programs for Ratification: Mr. Barnett reviewed the two E-Zone retraining programs for approval which totaled 202 jobs. There were no questions. Mr. Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 Barnett entertained a motion to approve the project budgets and the E-Zone retraining programs for ratification. Mr. Martin moved and was seconded by Mr. Barker. The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Enterprise Campus for Tri-County Technical College: Mr. Barnett reviewed the details of the enterprise campus at Tri-County Technical College (TCTC). He stated that approximately seven of the technical colleges have enterprise campuses. In 2019 a bill was passed to create an enterprise at TCTC. The College is seeking approval to designate parts of their campus as the Enterprise Campus to work in conjunction with businesses coming to one of TCTC’s three counties. Mr. Neese presented a picture on screen of the campus for reference.
Mr. Askins inquired whether the project would interfere with SC Research Authority Innovation Centers placed throughout the state. Dr. Hardee stated there was no conflict between the two entities. Mr. Barnett noted that numerous other technical colleges have enterprise campuses. This project would encourage utilization of the System resources to help businesses get started. He entertained a motion for the Board to approve the areas designated to comprise the TCTC enterprise campus authority and to give TCTC authority for the enterprise campus. Mr. Young motioned and was seconded by Mr. Yaun. The affirmative motion passed unanimously without further discussion.
B. Fiscal, Audit, and Personnel Committee – Roger P. Schrum, Chair Chairman Askins gave the floor to Mr. Schrum. He stated that the Committee has three action items and two informational items on the agenda.
Information Technology Policy Revisions for Approval- Mr. Schrum stated that Khush Tata was unable to attend the meeting but has made the request that the Board adopt some minor technical changes to three information technology policies. He referenced the policy changes that were included in the agenda package which included Policy 3-3-101– Data Base Reporting Requirements (no changes), Policy 4-4-101–Planning & Procurement of Information Technology Equipment, Software & Services, and Policy 4- 4-105–Information Security. The modifications to the latter of the two were non- substantive. Mr. Schrum motioned on behalf of the Committee to approve the proposed revisions to the policies to which Dr. Woodward seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Annual Tuition and Fee Recommendation for Approval- Mr. Schrum stated that the next item to review was the annual tuition and fee recommendation for the upcoming academic year. In previous years, the Board has generally considered the Commonfund Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) as a baseline for adjustments to the tuition range. The HEPI Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 is an inflation index designed specifically to track the main cost drivers in higher education. The HEPI data shows that inflation for colleges and universities was 1.9 percent for fiscal year 2020. The System Staff would typically recommend an equivalent percentage increase in the minimum and maximum credit hour rates for academic year 2021-2022; however, at the System Staff’s recommendation, the Committee is proposing to forgo rate increases for the upcoming academic year and instead maintain the credit tuition range which is a minimum of $170.38 and a maximum of $261.67 per credit hour.
System Staff noted that the Board did not increase minimum or maximum credit hours last year and the maximum credit hour rate approved last year actually exceeds the tuition rate charged by any of the sixteen technical colleges by almost 20 percent, which continues to reflect how affordable the technical college system is. State colleges have received significant federal funding to offset reduced tuition and fee revenue resulting from enrollment declines. Mr. Schrum moved for approval on behalf of the Committee to maintain the tuition range for Academic Year 2021-2022 at the maximum and minimum rates approved last Academic Year (2020-2021), specifically meaning, no change. Mr. Yaun seconded the motion. Mr. Martin inquired as to the possible ramifications in the future once COVID restrictions have been removed. Mr. Schrum gave the floor to Randy Johnson to answer. Mr. Johnson stated that he did not feel that the colleges would have to raise tuition rates too much once the pandemic has subsided. His goal for the future is for the technical college system to begin to be able to control tuition maximums.
There was discussion regarding the presidents’ opinions regarding changing the rate and the general outlook on technical college enrollment. Dr. Hardee shared that the technical college system is fairing much better on enrollment declines than the national average for community/technical colleges. There were no other questions and the affirmative vote was unanimous.
Greenville Technical College Proposed Land Sale for Approval- Mr. Schrum reported that Greenville Technical College (GTC) has requested to sell land which is currently designated as student housing which is under a 30-year lease with the Greenville Technical College Foundation. The Foundation constructed the housing facilities in 2004 and now owns the buildings, while GTC retains ownership of the land. GTC now wishes to relinquish ownership of the land, thereby terminating the lease, and releasing the College from all responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the property. The land was originally donated by Greenville County and the College will retain the proceeds in its Plant Fund to assist with expenses related to capital improvements of GTC facilities. It is an 8.3-acre site located at 1433 Cleveland Street and is appraised for $1,810,000.
Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 There was discussion regarding the sale of the lease. Mr. Johnson commented that GTC has been in communication with JBRC on the issue. Another appraisal is in the works and the parties believe the appraisal value will actually be higher than the current amount. Mr. Johnson stated that the Committee would like the Board to approve the sale at the appraised value (rather than the $1.8M). Mr. Schrum entertained a motion to approve the sale based on the appraised value. Mr. Young moved and was seconded by Mr. Martin. The affirmative motion passed unanimously.
Staff Approvals for November and December 2020- Mr. Schrum noted the staff approval list included in the agenda package which encompassed one budget revision for a permanent improvement project.
State Board Financial Summary – Month Ending December 31, 2020- Mr. Schrum stated that the list that was included in the agenda package was the usual review of the State Board financial statements.
There were no questions. Mr. Schrum noted that Mr. Johnson would follow up with a request that was made at the last Board meeting regarding indebtedness of some of the technical colleges. He stated that Dr. Hardee would discuss the Board’s authority regarding naming rights of technical college buildings and campuses during his report.
C. Instruction and Student Services Committee – Philip G. Homan, Chair Academic Program Proposals for Approval- Mr. Homan reported there were four academic program proposals for consideration by the Committee. He thanked Rosline Sumpter for providing him with a detailed summary. He reviewed the following program proposals that were included with the agenda materials distributed prior to the meeting: • Central Carolina Technical College – Associate in Applied Science, major in Surgical Technology • Florence-Darlington Technical College – Associate in Applied Science, major in Surgical Technology • Greenville Technical College – Associate in Applied Science, major in Surgical Technology • Spartanburg Community College – Associate in Applied Science, major in Surgical Technology
Implementation of the proposed associate degrees are in response to a mandate from the Accreditation Review Council on education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The accrediting body asserts that all sponsoring institutions should award a minimum of an associate degree in Surgical Technology by August 1, 2021. Mr. Homan entertained a motion for approval of all four programs. Dr. Woodward moved and was seconded by Mr. Martin. Mr. Askins inquired about the graduation rate for one Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 of the colleges in comparison to the other three. Dr. Sumpter stated that it is a normal attrition rate which is based on the college’s individual diploma programs. The motion passed unanimously without further discussion.
RECESS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Chairman Askins recessed the Committee of the Whole and called the State Board to order.
CALL TO ORDER- STATE BOARD MEETING Chairman Askins called the State Board Meeting to Order.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Joren Bartlett, Vice President of Governmental Relations Ms. Bartlett began her report by stating that the session began on January 12, 2021 and over 900 bills have been introduced. She is tracking approximately 140 of the bills which are pertinent to the technical college system.
Governor’s Budget Update- The House is currently working on their version of the budget. The System came out well in the Governor’s Budget. He funded the following amounts to the System: • $79.6M for maintenance and repairs for state owned assets (She will distribute a breakdown by college in a future email.) • $51.1M for LTAP funds (the same amount as the previous year) • $20.1M for Workforce Scholarship and Grants (which is designated in certified funds and certified unclaimed funds) • $17M for SCWINS • $12.5M for high demand job skill training equipment • $10M for readySC™
She opened the floor for questions. Mr. Martin inquired whether she publishes information on the bills she is tracking. She stated that she distributes a weekly report and would gladly add any of the Board members who would be interested in receiving the list. Mr. Martin and Dr. Woodward asked to be added to the list.
Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) Update- Ms. Bartlett stated that the Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) met last week and gave an overview on Fiscal Year 2020-2021. She reported that SC is faring well given the circumstances. Revenues are running about $336M above the BEA’s estimate. SC has recovered 84 percent of the jobs that were lost in April due to COVID. Leisure and hospitality were the areas hit hardest and still have not recovered like other sectors. On February 10th the BEA will give its final estimate for FY 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. No adjustments were made at their previous meeting, but they are monitoring some concerns going forward. The pandemic was unique and created challenges in predicting the economic impact. Certain sectors have yet to recover and consumer behavior has drastically changed over the last ten months; consumers have been buying more goods and less services. The BEA is not sure how long this trend will continue. They also do not know what to expect going Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 forward with the number of positive COVID cases rising and the release of the vaccines. They must also consider whether the economy can sustain the increase in the sales tax revenue. They are also unaware of the impacts associated with tax filing for 2020. She will distribute the BEA’s final estimate once it is announced on February 10th.
Legislative Luncheon Cancelled- Ms. Bartlett stated that the Legislative Luncheon scheduled for March 24th at the State House has been cancelled due to COVID uncertainties. The State House had already cancelled all January and February events. The event has been reserved for next year; Ms. Bartlett will distribute that date once it is finalized.
FINANCE UPDATE – Randy Johnson, Vice President for Finance Institutional Debt Analysis- Chairman Askins gave the floor to Mr. Johnson to review the debt analysis for the technical colleges. He presented a spreadsheet which reflected the colleges’ current debt. Greenville Technical College has the most debt, but he noted that $13.7M comes from county funding every year. Tri-County Technical College has the second highest amount of debt, but they too receive a good bit of county funding. Mr. Johnson noted that only seven of the colleges have debt; nine have no debt at all. Mr. Yaun inquired whether the colleges have any bank debt or if their debt is all from bonds. Mr. Johnson stated that in most cases the debt is from bonds the colleges have issued with very low interest rates; in a couple of cases, the debt is related to capital leases. He gave an example of one of the colleges in which that instance applied. Mr. Yaun commented that current interest rates are incredibly low, so now is a great time to refinance. Mr. Johnson stated that the colleges were probably exploring that option. Mr. Johnson stated that none of the colleges’ debt raised any major concerns.
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act- Mr. Johnson stated that the CARES Act was passed earlier last year and most recently a supplemental appropriation bill, the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, was passed on December 27, 2020. He presented a spreadsheet reflecting the amounts the technical colleges received in Higher Education Relief Funds (HEERF). Of the roughly $52.4M that was allocated to the colleges under the CARES Act, half had to be disbursed to students as emergency payments. CRRSA provided a substantially larger amount of money, $107M, but the colleges were only required to give $26.2M (the same designated under the CARES Act) to the students. The college operating portion is $81.5M. A total of $107M (the combination of CARES and CRRSA institutional funding) is available to the colleges for operations to cover additional costs related to the pandemic and revenue shortfalls related to enrollment declines. The CARES Act contained language stating that the expenses had to have a clear nexus to COVID in order for the relief funds to be usable. However, the new Act included language allowing colleges to use remaining CARES Act funds as well as new CRRSA funds to defray any expenses related to the coronavirus including payroll, lost revenue, technology costs, student support services, and student aid.
Ms. Bartlett stated that the information Mr. Johnson reviewed was presented by System Staff to the legislature at the budget hearing. The System keeps the legislature informed on funding it receives. Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 SC ASSOCIATION OF TECHNICAL COLLEGE COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT – Ashley Jaillette, Executive Director Ms. Jaillette reported that she sent reminders this morning regarding the SCATCC Annual Update which will take the place of the Commissioners’ Academy which was cancelled this year due to COVID concerns. The Annual Update will be an abbreviated program highlighting the 2020 award winners and both Dr. Hardee and Billy Routh will be speaking. It is scheduled for later today at 2 p.m.
Ms. Jaillette reminded the Board that the award deadline for nominations for the 2021 SCATCC is March 1st. The next SCATCC Board meeting is scheduled for March 2nd which will take place virtually.
The annual ACCT Legislative Summit scheduled for February 8-10th will be virtual this year. She encouraged the colleges to participate. She reported that the ACCT Leadership Congress taking place October 13-16th in San Diego is scheduled to be an in-person event. She will distribute information for this conference once the February Summit has ended.
COUNCIL OF TECHNICAL COLLEGE PRESIDENTS’ REPORT – Marilyn Murphy Fore, Chair Presidents’ Council Chairperson Fore reported that the last Presidents’ Council meeting took place January 14, 2021. She noted there was full participation by the colleges. She stated that Richard Blackwell, President of South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA), gave a presentation and praised the colleges as well as the technical college system as a whole for all their hard work involving economic development for the state. He stated that SCEDA’s agenda is comparable to the technical college system’s agenda. Some of SCEDA’s upcoming legislative agenda items include enhancing broadband internet access across the state and expanding new business incentives. During the meeting, both Dr. Hardee and Chairperson Fore introduced the two new technical college presidents. Mr. Johnson reviewed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Provisions, and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRSSA) Act and how they relate to the colleges. She stated that the colleges were looking forward to the additional assistance the funding will provide for them. Ms. Bartlett gave a comprehensive legislative update and presented a listing of the new members appointed to the Senate Finance and Senate Education Committees and House Ways and Means Subcommittees in case the presidents have members coming from their respective areas and would like to reach out.
Chairperson Fore also gave a report to the presidents regarding the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) annual meeting she attended earlier in the month. She reported that the colleges have collaborated and worked diligently together to complete the necessary criteria for the Criminal Justice Academy certificate. They are awaiting the council’s official approval so the program can be reviewed by the colleges’ respective boards to then be ready to offer.
Chairperson Fore stated that Dr. Greg Rutherford announced his retirement effective July 31, 2021. In response to an earlier question regarding enrollment decline, Chairperson Fore stated that the Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 colleges are meticulously tracking their enrollment but are also assisting students in their return to campus by being flexible which includes extending registration periods, creating additional sessions, as well as being lenient with students regarding payment. She thanked the Board members on behalf of the presidents for their continued leadership and support.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL Chairman Askins entertained a motion to approve the minutes from the State Board meeting on November 17, 2020. Mr. Askins noted that the section that states, “Recessed the Committee of the Whole” should read, “Adjourned the Committee of the Whole”. The following sentence should read, “Chairman Askins adjourned the Committee of the Whole and called the State Board to order.” Mr. Yaun moved and was seconded by Mr. Young. The motion passed and the minutes were approved as amended.
Chairman Askins also entertained a motion to approve the minutes from the special-called meeting on December 11, 2020. Mr. Schrum motioned which was seconded by Mr. Barnett and the minutes were approved.
MINUTES FOR REVIEW Chairman Askins stated that minutes of the October 8, 2020 and November 12, 2020 Presidents’ Council meetings were included with the agenda materials distributed prior to the meeting for review.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE RECOMMENDATIONS-CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Askins entertained a motion for State Board approval of the Committee of the Whole recommendations. Mr. Burns moved, followed by Mr. Yaun, for adoption of all Committee of the Whole Recommendations. The motion carried and the following recommendations were adopted unanimously without discussion:
• Project Budget for State Board Approval • Project Budget for State Board Ratification • Board Ratifications for E-Zone Retraining Program • Approval of Enterprise Campus for Tri-County Technical College • Information Technology Policy Revisions for Approval • Annual Tuition and Fee Recommendation for Approval • Sale of Land for Greenville Technical College (at or above the appraised value) • Central Carolina Technical College – Associate in Applied Science, major in Surgical Technology • Florence-Darlington Technical College – Associate in Applied Science, major in Surgical Technology • Greenville Technical College – Associate in Applied Science, major in Surgical Technology • Spartanburg Community College – Associate in Applied Science, major in Surgical Technology Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 • State Board Meeting, November 17, 2020 • State Board Meeting, Special-Called, December 11, 2020
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Tim Hardee, System President Dr. Hardee directed the Board members to review his report of activities/events that was included in the agenda package.
Welcome to Dr. Roseline Sumpter- Dr. Hardee stated that Dr. Rosline Sumpter is serving as the interim Vice President and that this is her first State Board meeting. She is glad to have her as a part of the executive team. She has taken Dr. Hope Rivers’ position who is now serving as the new president at Piedmont Technical College. Both Dr. Rivers and the new president at Central Carolina Technical College, Dr. Kevin Pollock, met with Dr. Hardee to discuss issues to anticipate as new presidents.
Dr. Greg Rutherford Announces Retirement- Dr. Hardee stated that Chairperson Fore had mentioned Dr. Rutherford announcing that he plans to retire from York Technical College (YTC) at the end July. System Office Staff will be working with YTC to search for and prepare his replacement.
Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund Update- Dr. Hardee stated that the Governor received $48M in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds. On January 5th he announced four agencies would receive funding for a total of $19M which include the Office of First Steps, the SC Department of Education, Department of Social Services (DSS), and the SC Technical College System (SCTCS). The System received $8M for short-term training to assist in decreasing the number of unemployed South Carolinians. There are about 80,000 unemployed people currently across the state. The funds provide a quick way for the colleges to enroll the unemployed, get them trained in sixteen weeks or less and hopefully back out into the workforce. Dr. Hardee feels the Governor views SCTCS as a good investment to get people back into the workforce. The finance department is working closely with the colleges to distribute the funding so people can get enrolled and training as quickly as possible.
SC Criminal Justice Academy Partnership Update- Currently there is a backlog of about 1,000 people who are awaiting training by the SC Criminal Justice Academy (CJA) to become law enforcement officers. To help in providing training to fill the huge need for officers, SCTCS in conjunction with the CJA created a program in which the first four weeks (of the total 12 weeks) of training would take place at one of the local technical colleges. SCTCS is assisting with the backlog as well as providing a way for the officers to obtain a Criminal Justice Certificate and potentially earn a degree from one of the sixteen technical colleges. A press conference will take place either the 16th or the 18th of February and will include Dr. Hardee, Dr. DeHay, Tri-County Technical College President, who has worked diligently on the project, Jackie Swindler, Director of CJA, and Mark Keel, Chief of the SC Law Enforcement Division. Dr. Hardee will inform the Board of the exact date when it is finalized.
Update on Conversation with Speaker Jay Lucas- Dr. Hardee and Speaker Jay Lucas have met a couple times to discuss Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) and the need for a campus Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 location in the Hartsville area. Darlington County provides $3.5M a half year to FDTC which per capita is more than any of the other counties in SC appropriate. He and Dr. Hardee are collaborating on the issue and more details will be provided in the future. Naming of Technical Colleges and Buildings- Dr. Hardee stated that Mr. Schrum mentioned previously during his report about having a discussion regarding the authority the State Board has in the naming of technical college campuses and buildings. Dr. Hardee reported that he spoke with the college presidents as the State Board requested. He did not ask for them to take a formal vote. The presidents did ask that the Board not “tie their hands” regarding the naming of classrooms, conference rooms, etc. Currently, the colleges are required to seek the Board’s approval for changing the name of a college or a campus. Dr. Hardee stated that Warren Ganjehsani had done research on the topic.
Dr. Hardee gave the floor back to Mr. Schrum to comment. He gave a recap of the process taken by the Fiscal, Audit, and Personnel Committee which included Mr. Ganjehsani suggesting some potential language for the Committee to use going forward. There was good discussion at the Committee level as well as the Board level of the issue. The Board then asked Dr. Hardee to get feedback from the presidents.
Mr. Schrum gave the floor to Mr. Ganjehsani to restate the current policy and procedure so that the Board can give consideration to formalizing it in the future. Mr. Ganjehsani referred to the language mentioned in the minutes from the September 22nd Board meeting and specified that the naming of college facilities and buildings is not something that is contemplated to be a Board responsibility under current policy, which speaks only to naming campuses and institutions as a whole. If the Board as part of its implied power wishes to require approval for the naming of individual technical college buildings, it could pass a policy stating as much. He further explained the broad scope of authority the Board has regarding the topic and stated that it was up to the Board’s discretion to determine the extent of that authority. Mr. Schrum opened the floor for comments.
Chairman Askins commented that it is important for the Board to recognize the authority of the local commissions and their ability to award/honor individuals who they deem worthy of naming recognitions. He gave his opinions on the subject. He suggested the need for enforcing the policy if one is made. He thanked Mr. Schrum and the Committee for all the hard work they did on the issue. Mr. Schrum stated that he and the Committee will have a policy drafted to be presented and voted on by the Board.
Florence–Darlington Technical College Presidential Search Update- Chairman Askins noted that Dr. Hardee mentioned Florence–Darlington Technical College (FDTC) earlier in his report and inquired about the status of the presidential search at the College. Dr. Hardee gave the floor to Kandy Peacock to provide an update. Ms. Peacock reported that she spoke with Karen Lee with Florence-Darlington Technical College about this issue. The Commission will be meeting this evening and making final decisions on the presidential search. Ms. Peacock believes they are planning to move forward with selecting the new president as soon as possible. Chairman Askins offered to meet with anyone from the Darlington County Council or Darlington delegation if needed. He reiterated the need for the new Minutes for Review State Board Meeting State Board Meeting March 23, 2021 January 26, 2021 president to be selected as quickly as possible and have the understanding that one of the counties that services the College feels it is underserved.
Budget Presented to House Ways and Means Higher Education Subcommittee- Dr. Hardee reported that System Staff presented their budget to the House Way and Means Higher Education Subcommittee made up of Representatives Gary Simrill, Gilda Cobb Hunter, and Kirkman Finley on January 13th. One of the areas they expressed interest in was deferred maintenance with the colleges. As Ms. Bartlett stated previously, there is $79M allocated in the Governor’s budget to be shared among the sixteen technical colleges. Dr. Hardee stated that he does feel the House recognizes the need for the funding and will address the category in their budget as well.
Commissioners’ Academy Update- Dr. Hardee noted that Dr. Fore would be honored with the award of CEO of the Year during the Commissioners’ Update taking place this afternoon. He stated that he would be giving a presentation with Billy Routh regarding legislative issues including a Q&A session at the end. He thanked Ms. Jaillette for coordinating the event and giving him to opportunity so speak. As part of his session, he plans to encourage the commissioners to be good advocates for their local technical colleges, in particular with securing local funding.
ADJOURN STATE BOARD With no other matters to discuss, Chairman Askins entertained a motion to adjourn the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education meeting. Mr. Martin moved and was seconded by Mr. Yaun. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned.
CALL TO ORDER – FOUNDATION MEETING Chairman Askins gave the floor to Mr. Burns to report on the Foundation Account. He stated that the account is in good status and it made $20,000 in December from investments. Currently there is approximately $600,000 in the Foundation Account.
ADJOURNMENT With no other matters to discuss, Chairman Askins adjourned the meeting.
______March 23, 2021 ______Date Approved by the State Board Gregory B. Askins, Chairman
______Tim Hardee, Executive Director