By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Kansas Association of Community Colleges serves as the voice of the 19 community colleges in the state and advocates on their behalf. The KACC is hosting a “Donuts with Legislators” event on Jan. 16 at the State Capitol in Topeka.
Barton Community College President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said this a chance for college representatives to share their stories with legislators.
"There are a lot of good things happening on our campuses and all 19 community colleges," said Garstecki. "I think it's about getting out there and tooting our horn. I think sometimes we take for granted everybody knows those things and they don't. If they've heard it once, it doesn't hurt to hear it twice or three times."
During the December Barton Trustees meeting, Garstecki mentioned this might be an interesting legislative session coming up with regards to education spending and community colleges. Garstecki has served as Barton’s president since July and felt like there will be heated discussions when it comes to lobbying for state funding.
"It's my first year back in Kansas in several years, but it just seems like there is a lot of big topics this year," said Garstecki. "I think it might be good if we're well represented there."
The event on Jan. 16 is from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Garstecki and other Barton representatives plan on attending to speak with legislators.