Vermont State Colleges tell Senate committee they are 'turning a corner' and ask for $5M bridge funding

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Chancellor Beth Mack of the Vermont State Colleges told the Senate Education Committee on Feb. 5 that the system is emerging from a financial crisis and is asking the Legislature for a 5.9% increase in base funding plus $5 million in bridge funding and $21.5 million in capital appropriations.

“Today, I have very good news for you as we're moving forward,” Mack said, describing a system that once had eight days of cash on hand and later required legislative bridge support. Mack and Sharon Scott, the colleges’ chief financial and operating officer, presented enrollment figures, workforce partnerships and a budget preview to Chair Bongard and the committee.

The request seeks to raise the system’s base appropriation to $53,970,000 (a 5.9% increase described by presenters as a 3% inflation adjustment plus $1.5 million to reflect a prior statutory change) and to secure $5,000,000 in continued bridge funding. The colleges also requested $21,500,000 in capital funds for statewide major maintenance and specific projects, including renovation at Castleton campus and replacement of a heating plant at the Johnson campus.

Why it matters: Vermont State Colleges runs two institutions—the Community College of Vermont…