• Build a common understanding of the current state of Washington higher education funding and national approaches to higher education funding model redesign. • Develop a high-quality higher education funding model recommendation that has support from
the Washington Roundtable and the Executive Advisory Group (EAG) members. • Build and implement an advocacy approach for the 2027 legislative session.
He added that the group began with a collective effort in designing a higher education funding model for how the legislature appropriates funds to the six public universities and the 26 community colleges. We want a model that is predictable, equitable, and sustainable. The EAG meets quarterly and the meetings are driven by the research work group. To socialize the research and guiding principles, the group decided to take the information on a roadshow. They are traveling around the state to get feedback and input into this process and ultimately into the funding model. The draft framework consists of four components: operations/maintenance core costs, enrollment, retention and success and opportunity. Brian went over the draft framework for the model. Institutional missions will also be considered.
Neil asked the group for some feedback on: 1. What money goes through the new funding models? 2. What are the weights of each component? 3. Do they have the correct things listed in each component?
Trustee Hensler stated that his initial reaction was that he’s very excited. Bringing stability to what we are trying to achieve as an institution is great. He asked if there are any ideas on how to get from 40 to 70 percent in degree attainment. Trustee Nellams added that when talking about going from 40 to 70 percent, it seems like this will need to start before students are in high school. Neil added that convening K-12 and higher education is the goal. Trustee Frolov asked when this process will be moved forward. Neil explained that they are still at the conceptual policy perspective. Brian added that it is hard to put a timeline on this process. If he had to give a ballpark figure, this process could be a 10-year phase. Trustee Frolov asked if another deficit in the future is being considered during this process. Neil reported that the funding model they will be proposing will be more stable and predictable than the current model. Trustee Charbonneau stated that he loves this concept. We need to make sure it is interpreted that this is institutional funding not individual student funding. He added that the process should include relooking at adjustments and comparing incomes each time. He would also like to see guaranteed admissions a state law.
The morning session adjourned at 11:29 a.m.
Trustees and Executive Leadership Team members toured the Multicultural Center and had lunch at Sue Dining. No business was conducted.
Chair Hensler reconvened the board meeting at 1:15 p.m.
5 Board of Trustees Minutes October 16, 2025
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator