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Bill would let CTE centers charge added fee up to 10% of base tuition; committee hears workforce and access concerns
Summary
Committee reviewed a conforming amendment allowing approved independent schools functioning as area career and technical education centers to charge feeder school districts a CTE fee not to exceed 10% of the base tuition amount, and members discussed workforce shortages, access barriers and potential pilot programs to accredit nonprofit training.
The committee examined language to align tuition rules for comprehensive high schools and career and technical education (CTE) centers, adding a provision that an approved independent school that functions as an area CTE center may charge an additional per‑pupil CTE fee not to exceed 10% of the statutory base amount, in addition to the standard tuition charge.
Why it matters: CTE programs generally have higher operating costs because of small classes, specialized equipment and instructor recruitment challenges. The committee raised concerns about whether a 10% cap would be sufficient to cover real costs and whether the change would preserve student access to CTE programs, especially where transportation or accreditation barriers exist.
Discussion highlights:
- Fee cap: staff described the cap as ‘‘not more than 10% of the base amount’’ on a per‑pupil basis; staff said they would refine statutory language to make the math explicit.
- Cost drivers: members noted CTE programs pay higher instructor wages to retain industry‑experienced staff, which contributes to higher tuition rates in some CTE centers.
- Access and transportation: senators and staff said students sometimes cannot access CTE centers because transportation is not provided; members discussed whether tuition flexibility or pilot accreditation for nonprofits could expand capacity and reduce access barriers.
- Pilot idea: several members suggested piloting use of CTE tuition dollars for accredited nonprofit workforce programs (for example, construction programs partnering with nonprofits) to address urgent workforce needs and to use existing local capacity.
The committee did not finalize statutory language; staff said they would refine drafting to clarify whether the 10% fee is calculated on the statutory base per‑pupil amount and to consider placement of the provision in Title 16 so it aligns with the single tuition section the bill proposes to retain.
Speakers named or referenced included legislative staff explaining the conforming change, committee members expressing workforce and access concerns, and members who suggested pilots to expand capacity.
