Plainview ISD approves MOU with South Plains College to create Plainview Tech College
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Summary
The board approved a five-year MOU with South Plains College to establish a Plainview Tech College offering dual credit, industry-based certificates and select vocational programs; the district will lease the campus, maintain routine operations and phase in South Plains as an exclusive partner for courses it offers.
The Plainview ISD Board voted 6–0 Feb. 19 to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with South Plains College to re-establish a locally operated Plainview Tech College that will provide dual-credit courses, industry-based certificates and technical training.
Administration described key terms during a lengthy presentation: the district would enter a five-year lease for the college campus for $10 and other valuable consideration; the district will be responsible for routine maintenance, custodial service and commercial property insurance while major repairs and renovations over $50,000 would require joint approval by authorized representatives from the district and the college. The MOU sets South Plains College as the exclusive partner for dual-credit courses it offers at PTC, while the district retains flexibility to maintain relationships with other institutions for courses South Plains does not provide.
Officials said the arrangement would allow Plainview students to earn up to 60 rigorous dual-credit hours and industry-based certificates (IBCs) at little or no cost, expanding local career and technical options (CMA, CNA, LVN, welding, cosmetology and emerging manufacturing technologies were discussed). Administration noted a $100,000 startup grant the district received to begin implementation and described state funding mechanisms: a per‑PTECH student allotment (noted in discussion as $150 per student) and a state tuition reimbursement program for colleges; the district would pay any tuition differences for students who do not qualify for reimbursement.
Board members asked about staffing, transportation, insurance costs and community access. Administration said many existing instructors could serve as adjunct faculty, that some community classes would occur after regular school hours, and that the district would monitor facility insurance costs with TASB. Trustees discussed phasing, space allocation (for example, LVN and cosmetology remaining in designated labs) and program growth. Administration emphasized that the PTC would be a district resource intended to expand postsecondary, certificate and career pathways without requiring a bond to build a new facility.
Trustee Salazar moved approval; the motion was seconded and carried 6–0. Administration will finalize the agreement and implement initial steps, including facility maintenance planning, staffing discussions and next-year phasing.
