EDITOR:
On Nov. 5, voters in the Platte County R-3 School District will be asked to make an important decision—one that could have a major impact on the local economy and workforce development. The ballot will include a measure to “attach” the school district to the Metropolitan Community College (MCC) District. While the term “attachment” might seem vague, it carries significant implications for families, students, and the community as a whole.
In simple terms, attachment means that the Platte County R-3 School District would officially become part of the MCC District, contributing to and benefiting from its tax base. If approved by a simple majority (more than 50%) of voters, the district would join MCC in a partnership designed to improve access to affordable education. But what does this really mean for local residents, and why should voters take it seriously?
Immediate Benefits for Students and Families
One of the most tangible benefits of approving the measure would be a dramatic reduction in tuition costs for students who live in the newly attached district. This applies to both traditional college students and high school students enrolled in dual credit or early college programs. Right now, students pay $237 per credit hour to attend MCC. If the attachment is approved, that cost would drop to just $121 per credit hour. For families looking to make higher education more accessible and affordable, this is a significant opportunity. The financial burden on parents and students would be greatly reduced, allowing more young people to pursue their educational goals without the heavy weight of tuition costs. Local high school students who take dual credit programs to obtain college credit would have their tuition reduced to one half of the in-district rate at $60.50 per credit hour.
Long-Term Community Impact
The benefits of this partnership, however, extend far beyond immediate savings on tuition. By making higher education more affordable, we open doors for more people to obtain the skills and training they need to thrive in today’s economy. The more residents who are able to access higher education, the more we’ll see a positive ripple effect throughout the community. Higher education is linked to higher incomes, which means more people will have greater financial stability to spend on essentials like transportation, childcare, housing, and groceries.
The Importance of Acting Now
This ballot measure comes at a critical time. Workforce needs in the Northern Kansas City region have never been higher. Businesses across industries are seeking skilled workers, and the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow. By defraying the cost of education and workforce training, this attachment would give more students access to the education and workforce training they need to meet those demands. It’s an investment that will increase the ability of the local workforce to obtain higher paying jobs in the community.
To ensure that voters are well-informed, several informational sessions have been scheduled. These meetings offer an opportunity to learn more about what the MCC ballot measure entails and how it could impact the community:
Oct. 16, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Platte City YMCA/Community Center
Nov. 2, 2024, 5 to 6 p.m. – Mid-Continent Public Library, Platte City Branch
Please feel free to come by and learn how the MCC ballot measure can enhance workforce development and affordable education in Platte County.
--Chris Benjamin
Metropolitan Community
College Board of Trustees
President
