After receiving state funds, BC3 waits for governor’s 2024 address
BUTLER TWP — Following a legislative fund holdup lasting more than six months, Butler County Community College is in the clear and waiting to hear Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plans for postsecondary education, which could have implications for board governance amid BC3’s search for a new president.
BC3 received state funds in mid-December after a legislative impasse, the BC3 board of trustees heard during a meeting Wednesday, Jan. 17.
“State based appropriation (funds) were $4,524,351,” BC3 vice president for administration and finance James Hrabosky said. “That gets us up to date entirely for the year.”
The board is now waiting for Shapiro’s upcoming 2024 budget address.
“Governance is being very carefully examined,” BC3 president Nick Neupauer said. “The governor has talked about … the higher-ed model isn’t exactly working in the commonwealth and it needs a reshaping and a revamping.”
BC3 and 14 other community colleges in Pennsylvania are locally governed through their respective counties, cities and school districts, which come together at the state level under the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, Neupauer said.
“(The governor’s) vision is one of expanding postsecondary access and attainment, increased capacity, and transparent and predictable funding,” Neupauer said. “This is only the beginning of the conversation.”
“I will tell you that as it relates to the smooth succession and transition to a new president, the board has made me very aware, as you might expect, that it is carefully monitoring what is going on at the state level,” Neupauer said, who has announced his retirement. “Because what goes on at the state level could obviously work its way to the local board.”
Neupauer, whose planned retirement is Dec. 31, said the governor’s vision — and any potential implications for BC3 — will be made clearer during Shapiro’s address.
“Our college is seeing this as an opportunity,” Neupauer said after the meeting. “We’re excited to work with the Department of Education to learn more, but in learning more, I believe that that would help the board with its ultimate decision in terms of replacing me.”
