What is the role of a Board of Trustees in governing Texas community colleges?

The board may be called a Board of Trustees or a board of regents, depending on the college. Both titles are correct, and there is no difference in the roles, responsibilities or education statutes based on the title of the governing board.* Comprised of a group of unpaid volunteers, the Trustee role is the only elected position in higher education in Texas, with Trustees elected to six year terms. Trustees follow nine guiding principles and responsibilities, laid out in the CCATT New Trustee Handbook:

1. Act as a unit

2. Represent the common good

3. Set policy direction for the college

4. Employ, support and evaluate the college’s chief executive (President, Chancellor or CEO)

5. Define policy standards for college operations

6. Monitor institutional performance

7. Create a positive college climate

8. Support and advocate for the interests of the institution

9. Lead as a thoughtful, informed team

How are community colleges in Texas funded?

Community colleges in Texas are funded from a “three-legged stool” comprised of:

• State appropriations

• Tutition and fees

• Local property taxes

In Texas, community colleges pushed for and helped pass HB 8 in 2023, shifting the funding formula for state appropriations from a static model based on enrollment or contact hour funding to a dynamic outcomes-based model. This shift refocuses community colleges to assist students to earn credentials of value - particularly those in high-demand fields, successfully transfer to a four-year institution and/or to complete dual credit courses in high school. Additional funding is available for measurable outcomes for students who are economically disadvantaged, academically underprepared or adult learners over the age of 25.

Why are my property taxes going to a local community college?

Dollar for dollar, there is no more efficient and impactful delivery mechanism for higher education than our community colleges. Texas community colleges are the largest sector of higher education, serving more than 700,000 students, awarding 96% of all career and technical education degrees and certificates in Texas. In an age of exploding debt and astronomical tuition bills, over 70% of community college graduates complete their degree with zero debt. In a 2018 study by the Texas Comptrollers Office, the 50 community college districts generated over $9.8 billion in total annual economic output, supporting nearly 78,000 jobs statewide. For every dollar spent by community colleges, an additional 86 cents of economic activity is created, while every dollar in compensation generates another 38 cents of total income. Beyond this, workers with some college or associate degrees earn an average of $8,393 more annually than high school graduates, contributing an estimated $27.2 billion in direct compensation to the state economy each year, far exceeding the colleges' total spending. While typically the lowest taxing entity on your property tax bill, community colleges are returning billions of those taxes back into local economies through a trained workforce, family-sustaining wages and capital investments.

What opportunities exist for community engagement with Texas community college governance?

Community members can engage by attending public board meetings, serving on college advisory committees or the Foundation board, participating in public surveys and considering a run for election or appointment to the Board when a seat is available.

How can I learn more about McLennan Community College specifically?

It is an incredibly exciting time at MCC. With adoption of a new five-year strategic plan, we are focused on what’s next for our students, the state’s workforce and the local campus community. If you’re looking at enrollment in any of MCC’s programs, degree offerings or pathways to certificate and degree fulfillment, chat with an MCC rep to request more info.