Senator Flexer’s Statement Re: NEASC Rejection of Community College Consolidation Plan

Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) today released the following statement regarding the decision by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges not to approve a plan by the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities to consolidate the state’s 12 community colleges:

“I am grateful that the New England Association of Schools & Colleges has recognized the magnitude of the changes to Connecticut’s community colleges that were proposed by the Board of Regents ‘Students First’ plan. While I understand the system is under incredible financial strain, the proposal would have destroyed our community college system. It would have taken the community out of our community colleges and made the institutions less responsive to the students and regions they serve. I hope that the leadership of the Board of Regents will now go back and talk with all stakeholders—including those who opposed the ‘Students First’ proposal—and have meaningful conversations on how to restructure the administration of the system and our colleges to achieve the savings necessary to avoid substantial tuition increases.”