By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Board of Regents CEO Blake Flanders asked the Kansas State Board of Education on Wednesday to consider two major proposals, one is to require students complete the FAFSA to graduate high school. HutchCC President Carter File thinks that is a terrific idea.
"I think it's a wonderful way to help students understand that, especially for socioeconomically challenged families and individuals, that college, community colleges, are very, very affordable," File said. "Completing the FAFSA is that first step to getting federal financial aid."
Flanders also wants to see Kansas provide in high school, 15 college credit hours free for low-income and first-generation students.
"We already have the Senate Bill 155 program that pays for the full cost of providing an education for students in select technical areas," File said. "That's been a wildly successful program. We have such a great relationship with our local high school and in particular, 308 at the HCTEA. I think, if you want to look at a roadmap or a model for what's being suggested here, that's a great idea."
Regents and State Board of Ed leaders plan to meet over the next few weeks to come up with an action plan on the proposals.