CHAPTER 216
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version
1
CHAPTER 216
( SJR 179 )
A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to determine and
report findings and actions to improve and advance the existing system.
WHEREAS, the Kentucky Community and Technical College system (KCTCS), created by House Bill 1 of
the First 1997 Special Session, is the state's largest postsecondary education institution, educating more than 100,000
students annually; and
WHEREAS, the KCTCS mission is to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the Commonwealth
by serving as the primary provider of college and career readiness, transfer education, workforce education, and
employment training; and
WHEREAS, KCTCS is composed of 16 colleges, a system office, and more than 70 campuses; and
WHEREAS, the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) conducted a comprehensive higher education
study in 2023 as directed by Senate Joint Resolution 98 of the 2023 Regular Session; and
WHEREAS, KCTCS is in the process of concluding a comprehensive system review with the Huron Group
with more than 40 findings to be considered for implementation by the KCTCS Board of Regents and system
leadership; and
WHEREAS, an audit of KCTCS by the Auditor of Public Accounts, concluded in December 2023, made
multiple findings concerning financial transparency and accuracy; and
WHEREAS, the Auditor recommended that a forensic audit was needed, which is set to occur during 2024;
and
WHEREAS, as of January 1, 2024, Dr. Ryan F. Quarles became KCTCS President;
NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
Section 1. KCTCS, in collaboration with CPE, shall analyze the findings of the study that resulted from
SJR 98 and the Huron Group recommendations, and shall present specific action steps on the following topics:
(1) Academic programming and training offerings, including the quality of credentials and program
relevancy;
(2) A comprehensive statewide KCTCS workforce plan which may include financial and academic
supports, comprehensive career counseling, and experiential learning elements;
(3) The KCTCS geographic footprint, including but not limited to the need for mergers and consolidations;
(4) Single system accreditation versus individual college accreditation;
(5) Governance reform, including the KCTCS Board of Regents and the 16 college boards of directors;
(6) The KCTCS funding model and its adequacy, including state appropriations, existing performance
funding, the funding of the system office, and modern outcome-based funding structures;
(7) Tuition rates, with a commitment to ensuring affordability and return on investment;
(8) The personnel system for KCTCS employees;
(9) Effectiveness and affordability of dual credit course offerings;
(10) Transferability of associate's degrees to four-year institutions; and
(11) Outdated or conflicting statutory language.
Section 2. The results or the analysis under Section 1 of this Joint Resolution shall be submitted to the
Legislative Research Commission by December 10, 2024, for referral to the House and Senate Committees on
Education and Appropriations and Revenue, for consideration during the 2025 Regular Session.
Signed by Governor April 19, 2024. ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2