I mentioned that I wanted you to look at Section 130 of the Texas Education Code. As you've certainly seen, its pretty lengthy. While you are free to focus on any part of it, this might be most helpful.
In order to make sense of it, you may want to learn about appropriations. What follows is a list of things public junior colleges - aka community colleges - must do in order to qualify for state revenue.
- Click here for info.
Sec. 130.003. STATE APPROPRIATION FOR PUBLIC JUNIOR COLLEGES.
(a) There shall be appropriated biennially from money in the state treasury not otherwise appropriated an amount sufficient to supplement local funds for the proper support, maintenance, operation, and improvement of those public junior colleges of Texas that meet the standards prescribed by this chapter. The sum shall be allocated in accordance with Chapter 130A.
(b) To be eligible for and to receive money appropriated under Subsection (a), a public junior college must certify to the coordinating board, in the manner prescribed by coordinating board rule, that the college:
(1) offers a minimum of 24 semester hours of vocational and/or terminal courses;
(2) collects, from each full-time and part-time student enrolled, tuition and other fees in the amounts required by law or in the amounts set by the governing board of the junior college district as authorized by this title;
(3) grants, when properly applied for, the scholarships and tuition exemptions provided for in this code;
(4) for a public junior college established on or after September 1, 1986, levies and collects ad valorem taxes as provided by law for the operation and maintenance of the college; and
(5) has complied with all laws and coordinating board rules for the establishment and operation of a public junior college.
(c) All funds allocated under the provisions of this code, with the exception of those necessary for paying the costs of audits as provided, shall be used exclusively for the purpose of paying salaries of the instructional and administrative forces of the several institutions and the purchase of supplies and materials for instructional purposes.
(d) Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 378 (H.B. 8), Sec. 52, eff. September 1, 2023.
(e) The primary purpose of each public junior college shall be to provide:
(1) technical programs up to two years in length leading to associate degrees or certificates;
(2) vocational programs leading directly to employment in semi-skilled and skilled occupations;
(3) courses in the core curriculum or a field of study curriculum, as those terms are defined by Section 61.821;
(4) continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural upgrading;
(5) compensatory education programs designed to fulfill the commitment of an admissions policy allowing the enrollment of disadvantaged students;
(6) a continuing program of counseling and guidance designed to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals;
(7) work force development programs designed to meet local and statewide needs;
(8) adult literacy and other basic skills programs for adults; and
(9) such other purposes as may be prescribed by the coordinating board or local governing boards in the best interest of post-secondary education in this state.
