KCTCS Board Adopts Reform Recommendations Amid Legislative Review

VERSAILLES – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents voted on Thursday to adopt 11 recommendations aimed at reforming the 16-college system. This decision comes in response to a directive from the state legislature, which mandated a review of KCTCS’s operational functionality earlier this year.

The recommendations address various aspects of the college system and will be presented to the Interim Joint Committee on Education next week, ahead of a December 10 deadline set by legislators for a comprehensive report. Among the changes, KCTCS plans to become the sole provider of dual credit courses within the state and will evaluate potential mergers and consolidations of existing colleges.

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles characterized the meeting as a key moment for the college system to “redefine ourselves.” The recommendations include:

• Enhancing academic training and program offerings.
• Creating a comprehensive workforce plan that includes financial and academic support.
• Assessing KCTCS’s geographical presence and potential for consolidation.
• Preserving college-level accreditation while focusing on shared services.
• Reforming KCTCS governance, altering the Board of Regents’ membership terms.
• Recommending a 100% outcomes-based funding model contingent on state appropriations.
• Expanding eligibility for the Work Ready Scholarship.
• No changes to the KCTCS personnel system.
• Establishing KCTCS as the sole supplier of dual credit courses.
• Enhancing the transferability of associate degrees to four-year institutions.
• Repealing obsolete statutes in state law.

Quarles, who took on the presidency in January amidst various reviews and audits, noted that the recommendations are designed to transform KCTCS. His presentation emphasized the importance of collaboration and legislative support, stating, “It is rare to have a piece of legislation where you agree with 100% of what’s in it.”

In a separate matter, KCTCS faces a whistleblower lawsuit from former chief of staff Hannah Rivera, who alleges retaliation for her reports of mismanagement and legal violations. Rivera claims to have authored the legislation leading to the current review of KCTCS operations. A motion hour regarding her case is scheduled for next week, just ahead of the education committee meeting.

The KCTCS system serves over 100,000 students across Kentucky. The board’s approval of these recommendations marks a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by the institution and enhancing its educational offerings for students across the state.