Protecting the Investments of Jackson County Taxpayers
In a time of high property taxes, I will work to ensure that taxpayers in Jackson County are getting the best value for their dollar out of their local community college system.
My Priorities
Enhancing Low-Cost Dual Credit Opportunities
All high school seniors in Eastern Jackson County should be able to graduate with at least 30 hours of college credit. These dual-credit classes are taught by highly-qualified high school teachers, on the campus of our local high schools. Unfortunately, school districts currently offer only a few of these classes. I will work to increase communication and coordination between Metropolitan Community College and local school districts. By expanding course offerings and reducing tuition costs, these college credit opportunities will save students and families tens of thousands of dollars in future college costs.
Reducing the Cost of Textbooks
Rising college textbook costs have far exceeded the rate of inflation. In the past 25 years, the cost of the average college textbook has increased by more than 270%. Textbook publishers issue new “editions” of the same book every couple years — other than changing the page numbers, the new “editions” have very little new information, they only serve to stifle the used book market and increase profits for the publisher. For example, in a College Algebra class offered by MCC, the tuition currently costs a high school student about $180. The required textbook costs about $298, increasing the cost of the class by more than 150%! I was able to purchase a prior version of the exact same book for less than $5. In many classes, slightly older books will provide the same quality of education at just a fraction of the price.
Supporting our Police Officer and Firefighter Training Centers
Metropolitan Community College already offers great training and degree programs for future police officers, firefighters and paramedics. I will work to ensure that MCC's Police and Fire Academies continue to offer state-of-the-art educational programs. By promoting these career paths in our local high schools, more students will have the opportunity to choose a rewarding career in public safety. When more young men and women are exposed to these great career opportunities, we can begin to solve the recruiting problems in our local police and fire departments.
Increasing Cooperation with Local Skilled Trade Unions
The College needs to work closely with Kansas City’s Local Skilled Trade Unions to offer more opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to receive high school and college credit for participation in union-designed internship and apprenticeship programs. As Metropolitan Community College plans for the future, the college should make a strong district-wide commitment to using exclusively Skilled Union Professionals in all construction and remodeling projects.
Paid for and authorized by Bowen for MCC Trustee - Ruth Hertzog Pirch, Treasurer