The state's Board Of Regents is discussing numerous options of what higher education can do to lessen the impact of a budget reduction next fiscal year.
Commissioner Joseph Rallo says education leaders face tough decisions with a proposed $200 million dollar shortfall in the governor's budget. "By the beginning of next month, they will be looking at canceling classes, a significant number of classes, and not hiring faculty members," said Rallo.
He responded to the suggestion that some public college campuses could shutter their doors. "If you have residence halls, students pay rent and that generate funds. If you close a campus, then that debt remains, it doesn't go away," he said, illustrating how closures would not lessen a budget crisis.
One idea shared by some board members is the possibility of some universities being privatized. He says until the budget picture becomes more clear, education officials would be remiss if that option was not at least given consideration in dealing with funding issues.