Vouchers for Higher Ed Too?

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Utah's universities are under extra scrutiny for their financial behavior, now that lawmakers have learned several state schools are running surpluses worth tens of millions of dollars. KCPW's Julie Rose reports on one proposal to dramatically change the way state schools are funded.

 

Utah lawmakers have the state's universities under a microscope after discovering last week that several schools are running surpluses worth tens of millions of dollars.

Representative John Dougall is drafting a measure to implement a voucher system at state universities. Funding from the state would follow students, rather than going directly into school coffers, says Dougall. He thinks universities and colleges should be rewarded for recruiting students into the classroom.

Utah Higher Education Commissioner Richard Kendell says lawmakers should not rush to make changes based on concerns over surplus. Furthermore, he says universities are smart to hang onto three to five percent of its budget as a reserve account.

Kendell says the Utah Board of Regents is open to other funding formulas for state schools, but doubts vouchers will fly given Colorado's tepid results. On the other hand, he says a per-pupil spending formula similar to the one used in Utah's K-through-12 schools would actually benefit universities because it sets a base that is adjusted for inflation.

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