The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the dramatically increasing number of students requiring high standards of education either as a part of the continuing higher education program or for occupational education and training, or for adult basic skills and literacy education, by creating a new, independent system of community and technical colleges which will:

     (1) Offer an open door to every citizen, regardless of his or her academic background or experience, at a cost normally within his or her economic means;

     (2) Ensure that each college district shall offer thoroughly comprehensive educational, training and service programs to meet the needs of both the communities and students served by combining high standards of excellence in academic transfer courses; realistic and practical courses in occupational education, both graded and ungraded; community services of an educational, cultural, and recreational nature; and adult education, including basic skills and general, family, and workforce literacy programs and services. However, college districts containing only technical colleges shall maintain programs solely for occupational education, basic skills, and literacy purposes, and, for as long as a need exists, may continue those programs, activities, and services offered by the technical colleges during the twelve-month period preceding September 1, 1991;

     (3) Provide for basic skills and literacy education, and occupational education and technical training at technical colleges in order to prepare students for careers in a competitive workforce;

     (4) Provide or coordinate related and supplemental instruction for apprentices at community and technical colleges;

     (5) Provide administration by state and local boards which will avoid unnecessary duplication of facilities or programs; and which will encourage efficiency in operation and creativity and imagination in education, training and service to meet the needs of the community and students;

     (6) Allow for the growth, improvement, flexibility and modification of the community colleges and their education, training and service programs as future needs occur; and

     (7) Establish firmly that, except on a pilot basis as provided under RCW 28B.50.810, community colleges are, for purposes of academic training, two year institutions, and are an independent, unique, and vital section of our state's higher education system, separate from both the common school system and other institutions of higher learning, and never to be considered for conversion into four-year liberal arts colleges.

[2005 c 258 § 7; 1991 c 238 § 21; 1969 ex.s. c 261 § 17; 1969 ex.s. c 223 §28B.50.020 . Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent--2005 c 258: See note following RCW 28B.45.014.

     Severability -- 1969 ex.s. c 261: "If any provision of this 1969 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1969 ex.s. c 261 § 37. Formerly RCW 28.85.911.]