Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 24, 1993 TAG: 9309240236
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FAIRFAX LENGTH: Medium
Wilder summoned education leaders to George Mason University to talk about budget problems that may force further cuts in higher education.
Many of his comments were in response to a position paper in which the school presidents pledged to streamline administrations if the state would give them another $223 million in the next two years.
"Is this paper a tacit admission that you've not at all considered doing what other state agencies and departments have done in streamlining and downsizing and providing necessities instead of niceties?" Wilder asked.
"I know that you did not intend that as blackmail; but I would state rhetorically, are you saying that if you don't get additional monies, then you won't embark upon the steps outlined in your paper?"
The state is facing a budget shortfall of $500 million, and Wilder has told colleges to prepare contingency budgets with cuts as high as 15 percent - a move educators say would cripple the schools.
There was little immediate response from the presidents, but Henry J. Dekker, vice rector of Virginia Tech's board of visitors, told Wilder that higher education was being asked to shoulder too much of the state's budget shortfall.
"Virginia has spent the last 50 years building up one of the best higher education systems in the country," he said. "I don't think you want to preside over the decline of the quality of our education, nor do any of us.
"I think fairer and more equitable treatment is in order."
At Wilder's request, Secretary of Finance Paul Timmreck pointed out that cuts have been made across the board.
Cumulative agency cuts have totaled 25 percent since 1990, while cuts to higher education have amounted to 18 percent, he said.
Since 1989, the state has cut funding to higher education by $413 million, but much of that has been made up by tuition increases of 44 percent since 1990.
There was some good news for higher education at Thursday's meeting.
Wilder said he will not require budget cuts at community colleges next year.
"It has done an admirable job under the circumstance, with very little of the whining I hear elsewhere," he said.
Dekker said it's time for Virginia to raise taxes instead of continuing to cut costs, a stance that was supported by several of the presidents after the meeting.
"I don't have any reservation about suggesting a tax increase," Radford University President Donald Dedmon said.
Dedmon said he understood the need for smaller budgets, but said there are few places left to cut.
Wilder, however, bristled at the mention of a tax increase.
"I feel that the government has a responsibility, even a duty, to see that unreasonable taxes and regressive taxes are not heaped and imposed on the backs of those struggling up the ladder of success," he said.
Wilder criticized some colleges and universities for failing to implement policies he has suggested. He mentioned making better use of technology, doing business with minorities and implementing policies to cut down on substance abuse and sexual abuse.
"The issues do not require big spending, they require leadership on your part," he said.
Fred Carlisle, senior vice president and provost at Virginia Tech, said he didn't believe Wilder's remarks were too harsh.
"But I don't believe that any of the presidents whine . . . and I think there is a commitment to internal reform and restructuring in higher education."
Carlisle and Minnis Ridenour, Tech's executive vice president, attended the meeting in place of President James McComas, who underwent cancer surgery last week.
Wilder told the presidents they must develop plans to meet the following goals:
Accommodate enrollment increases.
Hold tuition increases to rate of inflation.
Reduce administration by cutting jobs.
Increase teaching responsibilities of full-time faculty.
"The alternative to immediate action is a system of higher education that neither you or I want," the governor said.
by CNB