Kentucky’s Council on Postsecondary Education could be asked to evaluate the overall higher education system. That call is contained in a joint resolution, sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers. It’s been filed for consideration by lawmakers.
Major postsecondary reforms occurred 25 years ago. Stivers said it’s time for another full-blown evaluation. The Senate leader said times have changed as well as needs.
“In eastern Kentucky, a lot of vocational and technical training was related to running of heavy equipment, and advanced manufacturing. Now, it looks like it may be needed more in the service industry areas because we have changed economies,” said Stivers.
Back in the mid-1990s, Stivers said higher education reform leaders spoke of making the system more seamless and nimble to adjust to business needs.
Following the session Tuesday, Stivers indicated the CPE evaluation could even include examining new construction in eastern Kentucky.
“Is there the need to look at a new residential four-year institution? Is there the opportunity to do something with a currently private institution?” said Stivers.
Stivers went on to ask if something should be done about assigning parts of the community college system to the regional institutions due to their primary missions. The Senate leader said there are no real conclusions, just a lot of questions. Stivers noted the resolution, to go before both chambers, calls for te CPE to issue a report by December first. He added that would allow for a review in the 2024 budget session.
