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NDSCS appeals for inflation funding, roof and facility repairs and CTE formula changes
Summary
Representatives of North Dakota State College of Science told the Appropriations - Education and Environment Division they need operating and capital increases — including deferred-maintenance roof work, parking repairs, an atrium replacement and support for a change in the CTE funding multiplier — to maintain programs and facilities.
NDSCS representative (name and formal title not specified) told the Appropriations - Education and Environment Division that the college’s budget picture has tightened and presented a one‑page summary of the institution’s request. The representative said the college’s “base budget was 15.2” (units not specified in the transcript) and asked lawmakers to consider several add‑ons, including an inflation adjustment and multiple capital projects.
Why it matters: The college told the committee that a mix of smaller operating gaps and deferred maintenance threaten instruction and program growth, and that a technical education funding change in Senate Bill 2034 would materially alter their revenue for high‑cost CTE programs.
The college asked the committee to add a $452,000 inflation factor to its base budget (speaker stated the figure as “dollars 452,000 inflation factor increase”), citing increased prices for routine supplies and higher health‑insurance costs. On capital needs, the presenter identified nearly all projects as deferred maintenance: a request of 3,200,000 for roof restorations affecting multiple buildings, parking and curb‑and‑gutter repairs tied to a previously built precision agriculture building, a $260,000 estimate to repair a glass atrium/connecting hallway because the framing is rusting, and costs to accommodate a utility change from Otter Tail Power Company (speaker said the company is “changing the voltage” and the campus needs transformers to accept the new rate).
The presenter described how inflation and frozen tuition for two‑year schools constrained options: “There’s no way for us to increase revenue. We had to cut someplace else to ensure that we had those paper products where they were needed,” the NDSCS representative said, adding a lighter aside: “I didn’t bring any props like tater tots or anything like that.”
On program funding, the college asked the committee to support Senate Bill 2034, which the presenter said would correct classification so some clear technical education programs (including a wind energy program) receive a higher funding multiplier for costly instructional equipment. The presenter said those credit hours were previously “not being counted under CTE,” and that reclassification “is a significant difference for us.”
Committee members asked clarifying questions about the animal anecdotes and formula mechanics. Dr. Darling (role/title not specified) summarized the presentation as a last review of previously submitted requests and confirmed the list of asks and the focus on SB 2034. No formal committee action or vote followed the presentation; the transcript records the appearance as an informational presentation and request for support.
Ending: The NDSCS representative concluded by asking the committee to move the school’s requests forward to the House for negotiation so the institution can ”take care of what we’ve got” and continue to serve students and industry needs.
