N.C. Community College System officials are requesting more than $141 million in non-recurring spending from the General Assembly, including more than $31 million to accommodate increased enrollment.
System officials also are asking for increased funding for technology enhancements, economic development, salaries, and system-office needs. Legislators will return to Raleigh on May 9 to adjust the state budget and to deal with other issues.
Kennon Briggs, vice president for business and finance for the community college system, said increased enrollment and an aging population, since some of the programs deal with allied health, necessitated the request for increased funding. The system’s enrollment has increased by more than 50,000 students since 1999.
“Growth has created challenges,” he said. “Those challenges can only be conquered with an infusion of financial support.”
The $31 million, which comes under the heading of “access and affordability,” would cover enrollment growth and regular-term enrollment growth. It also would fund financial aid, funding for multiple college locations, and other items.
System officials also are asking for a 7 percent raise for faculty and professional staff. Other compensation costs include revamping the salary schedule for college presidents and funds for system office staff “that would enable the [system office] to be more competitive.” In all, the system is asking for $33.5 million in compensation funding, the largest single group request.
College officials also are asking for $33.3 million for economic and workforce development. The officials propose to spend the money on allied health program funding as well as funding for biotechnology initiatives. There is also a plan to use some of the funding for two regional training specialists for the northeast and southeast regions of North Carolina.
Other spending plans include $16 million for student services, and $28 million for technology enhancements.
Shannon Blosser is a contributing editor of Carolina Journal.