FRANKFORT – Lawmakers recently received a report featuring nearly a dozen recommendations aimed at enhancing the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). The board approved 11 recommendations designed to improve governance, centralize dual credit course offerings, and explore potential mergers within the system.
The recommendations were presented during a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Education, following a mandate established by Senate Joint Resolution 179 earlier this year. This legislation required KCTCS to conduct a comprehensive review and report its findings to lawmakers by December 10. KCTCS President Ryan Quarles emphasized the proposals as an opportunity for the institution to “redefine ourselves.”
Co-chair Rep. James Tipton indicated that, while discussions were initiated during the meeting, any substantial legislative actions needed to implement the recommendations would likely require further deliberation in the upcoming sessions of the General Assembly, which reconvenes next month. Tipton remarked that “anything of substance that takes place is probably going to require some legislative action.” Proposed measures could potentially be addressed in 2025, with other changes waiting until the state’s budget session in 2026.
President Quarles highlighted the importance of taking the initiative for positive change. “You asked us to be bold and innovative, and we did this on our own,” he stated. The KCTCS system serves over 100,000 students across 16 colleges in Kentucky. Recent reviews and audits, including a study by the Huron Consulting Group, further support the need for these changes.
Among the contentious recommendations is the proposal for KCTCS to become the sole provider of dual credit courses in the state. Currently, KCTCS delivers approximately 71% of such courses, while other public and private institutions account for the remaining 29%. However, Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) President Aaron Thompson expressed concerns regarding limiting dual credit availability, advocating instead for an expansion of offerings. He stated, “We need to focus on the quality and the alignment.”
Additionally, the proposal for a common course numbering system across all public universities in Kentucky met criticism. Thompson cited ongoing accreditation issues and emphasized that learning competencies for KCTCS graduates remain consistent regardless of course numbering.
The pursuits and recommendations laid out by KCTCS reflect a significant shift under Quarles’ leadership, which commenced in January. As discussions continue, lawmakers will closely monitor developments within the college system, fulfilling their responsibility to ensure quality education access across Kentucky.
