TO WHAT EXTENT IS VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION APPROPRIATELY FUNDED? DELAWARE Money, certainly, is a problem. We need more of it, more quickly is the universal theme. Timing of the arrival of the money is almost as fru rating as the limitations in amount. Usually, and particularly when new, innovative programs are involved, it is the last day of June before an administrator can be assured of the funds necessary to initiate a program which should begin on the first day of July. In the case of Federal funding for such projects, it is much, much later. Unless the local school districts and/or the department of public instruction is willing to take the risk of immediate deficit spending, the new program seldom gets started on time. The added responsibilities of hiring staff, ordering equipment, and scheduling often dissuade administrators from making needed change. Once again, in order of priority, the teachers and administrators agree that more, and better, instructional equipment is needed in Vocational education. HAWAII The Sixth legislature, 1971 regular session, appropriated $774.380 for the expansion of the three secondary level vocational education subprograms preindustrial preparation, introduction to vocations program, and occupational skills program. These restructured vocational education offerings have been commended, not only within the State, but also by the U.S. Office of Education. In the council's evaluation report for fiscal year 1971, we noted that the State's fiscal situation would probably prevent the expenditure of funds for expansion of these programs. One consequence of the fiscal austerity has been to push the projected full implementation date of the progms from 1977 to 1980, provided funds are made available subsequently. The expansion of programs for fiscal year 1972 was limited to the extent the department could utilize its present allocations and departmental savings. It is not anticipated that the remainder of the State funds will be released for fiscal year 1973. The available funding for the program in fiscal year 1972 was: The department of education was able to serve the disadvantaged in 8 schools, the handicapped in 15 schools, and the regular students at 10 schools out of a total of 34 secondary schools in the State. The delay in the release of Federal Vocational Education appropriations has severely hampered the operation of vocational programs on all community college campuses. The problem is a recurring one. The nature of Federal funding will probably always necessitate some delay and the problems will grow as appropriations under the Education Amendments of 1972 will be involved in addition to the vocational education appropriations. Both types of appropriations will support occupational education programs in the community colleges. Based on this reality, there is a need for the community colleges to develop a reimbursement mechanism which will enable the operation of programs with State funds until Federal funds are released. ILLINOIS During fiscal year 1972. $17.035.188 (72 percent) was distributed to secondary vocational programs, $5,378,966 (22 percent) was distributed to postsecondary vocational education programs, and $1.471,511 (6 percent) was distributed to adult vocational programs. These moneys must be used to supplement rather than supplant existing educational funds for vocational education. It is questionable whether these funds were used to maintain, expand or create new programs beyond the average educational costs in those institutions receiving moneys. The division of vocational and technical education funding policy does not encourage, in fact, it discourages, getting the most from the least by rewarding expensive programs in preference to cheaper programs which promise the same benefits. KANSAS In the early part of 1972, the assistant commissioner for vocational education was informed by the United States Office of Education that Kansas could lose approximately $368.000 in Federal funds as a result of 1970 census data which show a drop in the number of 16-24-year-old persons in the State. As a result, the State Board of Education imposed a moratorium. on new programs until the financial picture was clarified. Some of the new programs planned were not implemented because of this action. Because of these limitations, the implementation of goals in fiscal year 1972 did not show any marked improvement over fiscal year 1971. LOUISIANA Funds under the vocational amendments of 1968 are made available on a proposal or project basis as detailed in the State plan. In the case of applications from local schools, they are acted upon by the vocational education State staff. In the case of State area Vocational schools, recommendations are submitted by the State staff to the State board for official action. Criteria for rating pro posals an sped out in detail and ajji prate rato a scalis bwe been developed. The area vocational-technical schools are State-operated with funding almost entirely from State and Federal funds. 1, add ; en to Federal funds, the schools receive fands from State geleral fur d appropriations. Each school prepares a budget which is presented to the State department of education and then to the State board of education. The director naust then justify his request to the State budget office and legislative budget committee. The process described above would seem to have certain weaknesses as compared with the development and submission of a budget based upon standards developed related to staff, programs, and enrollments. The present system lacks uniformity of standards that would usually be expected in a State system. While the erse might be made for the merits of exh director being in a position to lobby for his own budget, it does not appear that they have been very successful in gaining the State funding necessary to expand programs or facilities. Analyzing the proportion of Federal, State, and local expenditures in Louisiana for vocational and technical education, it is noted that a substantial part of the program is Federally financed. In comparing Louisiana's effort with that of other States, it is seen that Louisiana ranks 49th in the ratio of State and local expends tures to Federal expenditures. MARYLAND To meet government funding schedules, the State department of education must submit its budget and plans to State authorities 2 years in advance, and to appropriate Federal agencies 1 year ahead of need. Given these time tables, there is little likelihood that a recommendation of the council concerning funds for fiscal year 1972 could be implemented before 1974, po matter how beneficial the program or how critical the need or situation it addresses, ΜΟΝΤΑΝΑ Sources of funding for vocational education and training programs in Montana: Local Funds (a) County and municipal property taxes. State Funds (b) Educational foundation program. (c) Ear-marked State appropriations. Federal Funds (d) Vocational Education Amendments of 1968. (1) Manpower development and training. (3) Concentrated employment program. (5) Job opportunities in the business sector. (f) Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) Vocational rehabilitation. (2) Office of educationary discretionary funds. (g) Office of Economic Opportunity: (1) Public service career program. (2) Job Corps. (h) Department of The Interior: (1) Bureau of Indian Affairs programs. Private Funds (i) Organized labor apprenticeship training. (j) Tuition for private schools and colleges. Vocational Training Programs in Montana, and Sources of their Funding: Montura Vocational education and Tr.ining Pregras, by Trainee Age As vocational education expanded to meet the needs within the State, funding resources become much more critical. Federal sources provided an important influence and developed in the amounts anticipated. The amount of local funds also increased. Although a subcommittee of the council met with State authorities to request an increase in State funds, appropriations from State general funds have not kept pace with program needs and continue to be a major limiting factor in the growth and development of vocational edu cation. Unless significant increases in appropriations are brought about in the next legislative session, local communities will still be |