“These are folks that need access to higher education and job training right within their communities,” said Bioteau, who said the median age of her student body was 27. “And that is exactly what we proudly provide. But we must maintain the wholeness to our operating budgets.”
A major concern is the Senate’s proposed $55 million cut in remedial education funding.
Senate leaders say the cut reflects a reduction in the number of students enrolled in remedial classes after the program was reformed four years ago.
But college leaders maintain that many students still need remediation and, while more are taking mainstream classes, they still need additional support, such as tutors and other services.
Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, said he supports the restoration of the remedial funding. “The numbers look a little funny on paper, but the need is still there,” Farmer said.
Jasmine Green, a second-year student at Tallahassee Community College, was one of the students who appeared with state college leaders at a press conference Thursday.
