Let 'red team' loose on N.J. county college merger plan

The Cumberland County College Board of Trustees approves a resolution in April to explore the possibility of merging with Rowan College of Gloucester County.(Chris Franklin | For NJ.com)

By Robin Weinstein

In college, I had a family ethics professor state, "I believe in long courtships and short engagements." His advice has always stood out in my mind, not just in regard to marriage, but for many major life decisions. There are times when life forces us to act quickly, but it is important not to succumb to the tyranny of urgency by recognizing when there is a time for prudence.

The Cumberland County freeholders are strongly urging the Cumberland County College (CCC) Board of Trustees to consider a "jointure" -- a merger -- with another community college, Rowan College of Gloucester County (RGCC). This looks like a potential marriage decision without a sufficient courtship period.

I believe in new ideas to help our area, but I am also cautious. Caution is warranted because Cumberland County does not always end up on the best side of deals involving the state or other governmental jurisdictions. It is vitally important that the interest of the students, and all of Cumberland County, be safeguarded through a planned, transparent process that engages with the community.

The CCC trustees have approved a "memorandum of understanding" with RCGC to explore the merger concept. The rationale, as I understand it, is to preserve the solvency of the Cumberland college (which has been losing enrollment), expand educational opportunities for its students, and create economic opportunities.

These are laudable and rational goals. The public should be made aware of the timeline and the due diligence process involved in making this major decision. Additionally, we need to know what alternatives might achieve the same goals without full integration with RCGC.

Before completing a corporate merger or acquisition, the entities' due diligence  involves intense study of the targeted organization's strategic position, financial data, assets and legal vulnerabilities. A robust process also includes a "red team," an independent group that assumes an adversarial role in evaluating the potential deal. I am hopeful that such a robust procedure is being followed in making this CCC-RCGC decision, and that the results will be shared with the public.

Additional questions need to be asked, and assumptions challenged. A statement issued by Cumberland County Freeholder Director Joe Derella cites one area of concern as a projected $2 million CCC budget shortfall, although steps have been taken to reduce the deficit to $750,000.

How does becoming a regional institution solve the national trends of lower community college enrollment? RCGC had only a 0.6. percent increase in enrollment for 2017-18 and projects flat enrollment for next year. If we do not join together, what is CCC's plan to address the enrollment and financial problems?

Derella's letter also stated, "Revenue at CCC is tied directly to enrollment, and therefore revenue continues to decline." However, a rule of thumb when the New Jersey community college system was created was that at least a third of the costs were to be paid by state aid, another third by county budget appropriations, and the rest by student tuition. (In reality, the state traditionally pays less than 30 percent, and tuition accounts for more than 40 percent.) County and state investment in CCC should be examined. The county has made a significant investment in a full-time vocational-technical high school. Have we done the same with our community college? If not, why not?

Innovative partnerships are vital to improving educational access and affordability without sacrificing quality and special needs. RCGC and Burlington County College (now Rowan College of Burlington County) both adopted the Rowan University "brand" without losing their institutional autonomy. If CCC  also is to assume a brand, can it do so without losing its autonomy? CCC currently does not partner with Rowan University to the extent of the other two colleges. Why not?

Can Cumberland County College obtain Rowan programs offered at RCGC,  such as preferred Rowan University admission and reduced-cost four-year degrees, without the jointure? Are there other partnerships that CCC should explore that might be more beneficial?

I am not opposed to a regional community college. I appreciate the freeholder director's open letter to the community on this matter. I hope that open dialogue and data-driven consideration will continue. It is necessary that this process be free from political pressure or financial coercion. The RCGC and CCC boards must be able to examine the issues without the threat of losing financial support. Each entity must do what is best for its students.

Policymakers might consider creating a blue-ribbon panel to explore how best to expand educational and work opportunities to Cumberland County residents, allowing for even more voices and perspectives.

I urge my fellow citizens to be engaged in the merger consideration process. In the end, a regional college may be the right choice -- but we, the public, are unable able to draw that conclusion without more information and more time.

Perhaps we in Cumberland County can date RCGC before we get married to it.

The Rev. Robin Weinstein writes from Upper Deerfield Township. He is pastor of  Bethany Grace Community Church in Bridgeton and founder/president of the M25 Coalition and related nonprofits, but the article above represents his personal opinion and not that of any organization.

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