Updated 1:15 p.m. – Look for legislation on college fees in the General Assembly next year, but it’s unclear what it will look like and when it might surface. Members of the Legislative Audit Committee want a bill that defines the “student purpose” of fees and sets up a standard review process for administrators to use when setting fees. (That decision was made last month after an audit was released showing lots of problems with the fee system; see story.)
The committee was told today that no bill has been drafted yet. Higher ed chief Rico Munn told the panel that a committee of students and college financial types is meeting weekly to study the issue and prepare recommendations to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Munn said that group is shooting to give a report to CCHE in February, with the commission then making a proposal to lawmakers, who will be in session until early May.
Committee member Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, said February is “probably getting a little late” and asked if a recommendation on student purpose and review procedures could be ready by November. Munn used several phrases to say no, adding that any legislation would have a better chance of passage if its provisions have been worked out and agreed to by a wide range of higher ed interests.
“We need to make sure the members of this committee also agree,” McNulty replied.
What’s churning:
Lynn K. Rhodes, dean of the University of Colorado at Denver’s School of Education and Human Development, is retiring Dec. 31 after eight years in that job and 32 years at the university. The school, Colorado’s largest graduate school of education, offers “a score of licensure and endorsement programs as well as 13 degree programs,” according to its website.
Rhodes, in a letter to her faculty, said ” I’m simultaneously excited and apprehensive about the next phase of life. I will do my very best to ensure that we continue to move forward in the directions we have set for the remainder of the semester and to help with the transition ahead.”
What’s on tap:
The Legislative Audit Committee heard a “fiscal health analysis” of state school districts. (This report is more of a balance sheet review than an examination of policy issues – see last year’s version for an example.) See EdNews this evening for a story.
Mapleton’s school board meets at 6 p.m. tonight at district administrative headquarters, 591 E. 80th Ave. in Denver. No agenda posted on the district’s website though past board reports are available here . Call (303) 853-1000 to find out more.
Sheridan’s school board meets at 7 p.m. tonight in the board room of the Early Childhood Education Center, 4000 S. Lowell Bld. The agenda was not posted as of 7:30 p.m. last night but it should be here when it’s ready.
Finally, Westminster’s school board also is scheduled to meet tonight. We’re happy to report the agenda is online here . The board meeting begins at 6 p.m. with a study session at the new Westminster High School, 4276 West 68th Ave. in Westminster.
Good reads from elsewhere:
- Big is beautiful: A 4,100-student high school in Mass. has turned itself around.
- Not my kids: President Obama says he wouldn’t send Sasha and Malia to D.C. public schools.
- Value-added suicide?: L.A. union head says a teacher’s suicide may be connected to his effectiveness score.