Minutes-05-18-2023-Budget Work Session

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5 Chair Bedford said enrollment numbers went down during the pandemic, and asked how the numbers now compare to before COVID. President Buxton said enrollment numbers are still down from before COVID. He added that registration for this coming fall is up 20% from last year at the same time, so the numbers are returning. Chair Bedford asked if the Innovation Hub is the same thing as Launch. Travis Myren said the Innovation Hub will be in the same space as Launch. Chair Bedford said the Board has already designated $70,000 for Launch. She said she supports the recommended $20,000 for funding now, but it concerns her that the rent will grow to $100,000. She asked how this will be different than the work skills program that will be at the new 203 Project in Carrboro. President Buxton said the Nurse Aide program, ESL programming and some GED programming will switch over from the Europa Center to the 203 Project. He said the challenge is finding other spaces for small business center counseling for customized training and curriculum programs. He said the$20,000 is to give access to the facility, $100,000 is a projection that would give Durham Tech dedicated space. Chair Bedford asked if the Board is committed to $100,000 if$20,000 is approved. President Buxton said no. He said Durham Tech would likely come back with the request based on the usage they would like to have there. He said programs like clinical trials and data analytics have them looking at a pathway from Durham Tech to UNC for some classroom work. Chair Bedford said it sounds like people are taking the 6-8-week certificate programs, so the additional $50,000 will be spent. Andrew Kleitsch said funds ran out this school year in December, and he anticipates the need will continue. He said community colleges are shifting to short term classes, so this funding is important. Commissioner Hamilton asked what the enrollment is at the Orange County campus. Jacklyn Krohn said 1,400 took at least one class at Orange County Campus this year, not including summer terms. Commissioner Hamilton asked if the number is unduplicated. President Buxton said yes. He added that there are about 15,000 students enrolled at Durham Tech in total. Commissioner Hamilton asked how many instructors are working at Orange County Campus. President Buxton said the instructors work across campuses. Jacklyn Krohn said around 35 instructors teach at the Orange County Campus. Commissioner Hamilton said the challenge for her as a commissioner is balancing needs across the county. She said the Board would do everything if they could but have to make choices. She said she looks closely at duplication of services. She said the Back-to-Work scholarships sound wonderful and looking at the industries, people will be paid well. She said she does not think the county can afford to be subsidizing something where people could afford to pay the tuition themselves. She asked for information on who receives these scholarships. President Buxton said he will send that information. He said the scholarships are awarded at a balanced level across ages, racial and ethnic background, and a number of different industries. Commissioner Hamilton said she was glad to hear that it is balanced at the current funding level but wondered if an increase would make it unbalanced. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the 1,400 students at the Orange County Campus includes the people accessing the Small Business Center or if there is a different number. If not, she asked for that number and if there is a charge to these folks. President Buxton said it is free.