PENNSYLVANIA Community colleges decry possible funding cut

Adults seeking to enhance their education could be hardest hit.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- As enrollment rises at the state's 14 community colleges, spurred in part by adults returning to school because of the sluggish economy, more than $16 million in state aid is in jeopardy.
The money would be lost if legislators do not remove language in a huge spending bill that would change the way community colleges are funded.
Community college officials contend that the cuts could jeopardize their mission to offer education to all. They said that adults returning to college likely would be hardest hit, with course options and entire subject areas limited.
"Many of our students would have no place to go if we don't keep our doors wide open," said Diane Bosak, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. "We're affordable and provide them with flexible schedules."
Budget deficit
The change, inserted last month amid budget talks between Gov. Ed Rendell and House leaders, comes as the state faces a $2.5 billion deficit caused by lower tax revenue during the recession. The House passed the measure, and the Senate is expected to address it after Thanksgiving.
"In a year when most higher-education institutions have been asked to tighten their belts, this is a minimal amount to ask of the community colleges," Rendell spokeswoman Kate Philips said.
Community college presidents said they likely would have to increase tuition, cut the number of sections for some popular courses, and reduce access to expensive programs like nursing.
Such changes would most hurt adult students who juggle classes with work and family duties. Community college enrollment typically rises during recessions, as adults look to improve their skills.
Making cuts
Montgomery County Community College would have to reduce or get rid of new programs that teach high-demand skills, said college president Karen Stout. The school recently increased enrollment in its nursing program by one-third, to 150, at the request of local hospitals facing nursing shortages.
Cutting such programs "seems counterproductive to the state's desire for jobs-creation," Stout said.
Steve Curtis of the Community College of Philadelphia said another option would be to raise tuition or fees, or both.
Community colleges typically receive state aid based on enrollment. This year, however, Rendell and the House are proposing that the 14 schools receive a lump sum -- $210 million -- to be divided up according to enrollment.
The schools received a total of $210 million last year but enrollment has risen, so actual per-student aid would be about $1,350 (down from the current $1,500 per student) and the loss would be greater if spring enrollment rises, school officials said.