Representatives from the technical college spoke to business professionals in the area during the Greater New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation quarterly luncheon July 25.
“Thanks to the leadership of [Rep. John Kuempel] and [Sen. Donna Campbell], the bill that passed this session that allows TSTC to operate without restrictions in Comal and Guadalupe counties,” GNBEDF Executive Director Greg Lutz said. “This is a significant win for our region.”
The big picture
According to a news release, service-area jurisdiction rules prevent TSTC from providing its programming without the established district community college first declining to serve as the educational provider. HB 4997 gives TSTC the ability to bring new programs without going through the process of offering right of refusal each time.
The college has 10 campuses throughout the state and offers over 40 programs and degrees through two-year courses and certifications. Programs focus on high-demand fields, including engineering and manufacturing, aviation, computer and information technology, and health care.
The specifics
“TSTC is different; we get paid if and only when we put the student in a job,” TSTC Deputy Chancellor Gail Lawrence said. “So we're hyperfocused on the job. And we get paid what's called a commission rate. ... We don't focus on programs where there's not a high placement. That makes us uniquely different: We start with the end in mind and work backwards.”
According to the presentation, funding for the college has two variables: student employment outcomes and a funding rate. TSTC acts like a placement agency with the salary of the graduate determining the commission of the college.
“We're never gonna tax you; we don't have the authority to levy a tax,” Arnold said. “We're paid by the state of Texas. Once you make the investment and it's on the ground, there are no more local tax dollars being taken from you to make these facilities work.”
The next steps for TSTC is to organize stakeholders, identify potential donors to raise $100 million, and identify at least 100 acres of potential property in Comal or Guadalupe county to begin constructing the campus. The total estimated cost of the campus is nearly $268 million and is anticipated to have six or seven buildings once completed.
