The KCTCS took the biggest hit of all the education entities in the 2008-10 state budget. Here's the release from KCTCS:

KCTCS Board of Regents Approves 2008-09 Budget
Introduces Leadership Initiative to Address Shortfall

PRESTONSBURG, KY (June 13, 2008) - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents approved a 2008-09 budget of $670,258,900, along with a presidential leadership initiative designed to ensure the accomplishment of targeted goals outlined in the KCTCS Plan for a Competitive Commonwealth, during their quarterly meeting held today at the Big Sandy Community and Technical College's Prestonsburg campus.

"During these difficult budgetary times it is essential that we focus on the areas that will have the greatest impact on Kentucky's future," said KCTCS President Dr. Michael B. McCall. "We plan to better align the strengths of our system with the needs of the state."

The operating budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008 includes a $13.5 million reduction due to a decline in state appropriations. The budget shortfall will impact people, programs and services at each of the system's 16 colleges. KCTCS will begin the 2008-09 fiscal year with 240 fewer people that include the loss of 97 full-time faculty, 69 full-time staff, 43 part-time faculty, and 31 part-time staff.

"This loss in personnel will significantly impact our ability to offer the level of programs and services we currently provide to our students," said KCTCS Board of Regents Chair Richard A. Bean. "And while the impacts of the cuts have not had time to fully play out on our campuses, we have already seen the elimination of programs such as GED testing at Jefferson Community and Technical College."

In response to the tight budgetary environment, Dr. McCall introduced a leadership initiative designed to focus the organization's efforts on re-engineering KCTCS' workforce education and training divisions, launching a virtual learning initiative entitled KCTCS Online, and increasing the number of transfer students to four-year institutions.

The goal of the workforce competiveness initiative is to enhance KCTCS' capacity to meet the state's current and future job needs. Specific activities include the implementation of three workforce partnering initiatives, the establishment of a management/supervisory institute, and the establishment of workforce competitiveness teams at each college.

The KCTCS Online initiative will provide flexible workforce educational opportunities for Kentuckians by offering 24/7 online degree programs. Plans for the 2008-09 academic year include the rollout of both a Business Administration and Information Technology program.

"Kentucky employers have voiced a need for more on-site, online skills training for their current workers and now KCTCS is ready to fill that need," said Dr. McCall.

Activities planned to enhance the transferring of KCTCS students to four-year institutions include the establishment of a transfer/career center at each college and meetings with each of the state's public university presidents to address the current transfer barriers that exist for KCTCS students.

In other business, the board approved:

An Associate in Applied Science in Motorcycle Technology for Big Sandy Community and Technical College;
An Associate in Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology for Bowling Green Technical College;
An Associate in Applied Science in Plumbing Technology for Elizabethtown Community and Technical College;
Associate in Applied Science in Mining Technology for Hazard Community and Technical College;
29 certificate programs at nine KCTCS colleges, including a pilot program for Accelerated Pharmacy Technician at Jefferson Community and Technical College and a pilot program for Medical Office Clinical Aide at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College;
13,021 candidates for graduation who applied for academic credentials (certificates, diplomas or associate degrees) between Jan. 23, 2008 and April 21, 2008.
The credentials include:

*7,167 candidates for certificates;
*1,388 candidates for diplomas; and
*4,466 candidates for associate degrees.

The naming of the classroom/administration building on the Whitesburg campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. The building will be known as "Caudill Hall" in honor of the late Judge M. and Atha B. Caudill.

The next meeting of the KCTCS Board of Regents will be Sept. 26, 2008 at the KCTCS office, Versailles, Kentucky.