Regents pass resolution in support of funding for higher education
"Education beyond high school is increasingly important for the prosperity of Kansas families and Kansas employers," said Dave Murfin, KBOR chairman. "We ask that if the Legislature decides additional funding for education is appropriate, it will include Kansas universities, community colleges and technical colleges in that solution."
"Studies show that by 2020 more than two-thirds of jobs in Kansas will require education beyond high school," said KBOR Vice-chair Dennis Mullin. "Past cuts to public higher education pose significant challenges in our state's ability to meet the increasing skilled workforce demands of the Kansas economy."
The resolution passed by the Board follows:
Kansas Challenge
Evidence-based research studies have documented the critical importance, impact and economic necessity of an education that includes attainment beyond high school. The facts are clear: An education beyond high school gives Kansas families the best chance of future prosperity and Kansas business leaders the skilled workforce needed to compete in the national and global marketplace.
Particularly since the Great Recession, state and national job markets are sending a single, unambiguous message: a high school diploma no longer constitutes a "suitable education." Today's jobs require educational attainment consistent with the capabilities and mission of technical colleges, community colleges and universities.
Kansas Imperative
To protect and advance the interests of Kansas families and businesses in the 21st century economy, Kansas policy must recognize that a suitable education now includes education beyond high school.
KBOR Policy Resolution
The Kansas Board of Regents resolves that any prospective education investment by the Legislature that includes the Kansas K-12 system of public schools must also include the state’s public technical colleges, community colleges and universities. The Kansas Board of Regents only supports new funding that is aligned with this policy resolution.