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State board briefed on adult basic education funding, $25 fee and federal continuity through 2027
Summary
Director Troy Brackie described the adult basic education portfolio (English language acquisition, IBEST, corrections education), explained eligibility and the $25 quarterly fee for basic ed, and said federal continuing resolutions fund these programs through June 30, 2027 while longer‑term federal and state funding is uncertain.
Troy Brackie, director for Basic Education for Adults, presented the scope of programs that support adult learners: English language acquisition, adult skill acquisition, secondary‑credential attainment (High School Plus and GED), IBEST integrated workforce pathways, services for new arrivals, and corrections education.
Brackie said those classes are below the 100‑level threshold and therefore generally not eligible for federal student aid; to keep access low, the system sets a $25 per‑quarter student responsibility for basic education classes, with colleges absorbing the remainder by drawing on allocations and enhanced FTE funding. He said the federal continuing resolution passed earlier this year funds these programs forward through 06/30/2027, and that advocates believe level funding is the most likely near‑term outcome.
Board members pressed for clarity on outreach and who is eligible; Brackie said programs are open to anyone 16 or older not required to attend K‑12 and who demonstrate need to improve literacy, English, or math skills. He noted that enrollment in basic education is sensitive to local economic conditions: in downturns enrollment rises as people seek new skills.
Board members requested follow‑up data on the per‑student cost to colleges and on the share of students served by BFET/SNAP‑linked supports and asked staff to return with clearer cost estimates for use in policy discussions.
