Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Howard to discuss education at virtual event
MALVERN >> State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-167th, of Malvern, will hold a virtual event on the proposed integration of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education with Chancellor Daniel Greenstein from 5 to 6 p.m. on March 10 at www.RepKHoward.com.
“The PASSHE system has offered high quality, higher education to Pennsylvanians for decades, but the rising cost of education has either closed the doors to higher education for many potential students or required others to incur high levels of debt,” Howard said. “The proposed merger of some universities in the PASSHE system promises to strengthen the organization, enabling it to continue to provide affordable, quality higher education to Pennsylvanians and their families for years to come.”
PASSHE is exploring two possible mergers – the integration of the California-Clarion-Edinboro and the Bloomsburg-Lock Haven-Mansfield schools. Each combination would operate as a single accredited entity with a single leadership, faculty, enrollment management strategy, and budget while honoring local identity.
This month, Greenfield gave the integration progress report to the PASSHE Board of Governors at its meeting, and the board will give its response to the plans at its April meeting. If the plans are approved, they will be the focus of two public hearings and a 60-day public comment period. The board will review the comments and decide whether to give final approval to the implementation plans as early as July, which would mean the first students to enroll in an integrated university would be fall 2022.
“Chancellor Greenstein and I will discuss the plans for the integration of the PASSHE system and we look forward to answering any questions you may have,” Howard said.
Constituents can send questions before or during the event to RepHoward@PaHouse.net or by phone at 610-251-1070.
The event will be livestreamed on www.RepKHoward.com.
Those interested in learning about the event can call her district office at 610-251-1070.