El Paso Community College to use new state funding after shift in funding model

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso Community College has seen a shift in the way they receive funding from local taxes, state allocation, and student tuition and fees.

EPCC's previous funding mode was based on a 30-30-30 model which was made up of:

• 30% local taxes
• 30% state allocations
• 30% tuition and fees

Yet over time, the percentages of the model shifted to:

• 47% local taxes
• 20% state allocations
• 30% tuition and fees.

This model is what made up the college's $158 million budget.

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With the passing of House Bill 8 in June of 2023, the state of Texas paved the way for a new model of funding for community colleges in Texas.

\The state of Texas then decided to allocate $683 million for its 50 community colleges as a way to combat the state's decrease in funding for these schools.

EPCC received $7 million from that allocation, adding to the school's current budget.

So far the school has received 50% of these funds from the passing of House Bill 8 and plans to use it for faculty and staff raises, mental health programs, and new academic programs.

The EPCC board of trustees approved a 6% salary enhancement for the faculty and staff of the college.

In addition, mental health and wellness programs will be staffed and coordinated throughout the school's college district.

The board of trustees also approved six additional academic programs that ask for high demand and high-skill programs the college needed.

KFOX14 spoke with the president of EPCC, Dr. William Serrata, who also chaired the Texas Association of Community Colleges shared that in regards to implementing the state-allocated funding forward, he had to make sure all 50 community colleges were on board.

He also stated that as part of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, they made some changes in the way the colleges receive these funds over time.

"We had to move quickly with regards to implementing this and moving it forward. So the emergency rules went forward, that's what allocated the additional $7 million. We also shifted the pay system in the state. So initially, the state of Texas had a 10 pay. So they would send 10 different payments throughout the year, and we switch that to a three-pay system. So half of the funds come in October, then 25% of the funds will come in February, and then the final 25% of the state funds will come in June. And so yes, we've already received 50% of our state allocations, we expect to receive the next 25% coming up next month, which starts later this week."

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Dr. Serrata also shared with us that the college was looking into another method of funding from the state called the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant which would provide financial assistance for student financial aid for those who qualify.

The TEOG grant would provide $133 million for the state's 50 community colleges.

However, this grant wouldn't be allocated until this upcoming Spring.

Allocating the TEOG grant is up to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

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