Baldacci establishes education committee

AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci has established a committee to recommend a plan for achieving quality, affordable and accessible higher education in the Kennebec Valley.

Charged with issuing the plan to the governor and the University of Maine System by Dec. 1, the 10-member group will include: two University of Maine System trustees, a designee of the UMS chancellor, the presidents of the University of Southern Maine and Kennebec Valley Community College, the interim president of the University of Maine at Augusta, and the commissioner of the Maine Department of Education.

“The working group will review the current higher education resources and services available in the Kennebec Valley,” Baldacci said in a prepared statement issued Wednesday.

“I am pleased that all those with whom I’ve spoken so far agree with this process, and they seem pleased with a forum for furthering communication and resolving issues.”

Also to be included on the committee are: a member of the UMA faculty, a member of the Augusta business community, and a member of the Augusta City Council.

The co-chairmen of the Legislature’s Education Committee and the director of the State Planning Office will serve as ex officio members.

UMS Chancellor Joseph Westphal said in a prepared statement that he looks forward to “exploring the work of the task force and its recommendations.”

He added, “Broadening the discussion of the higher education needs and aspirations of central Maine citizens is important.”