The state Board of Higher Education has given North Dakota State College of Science President John Richman the go-ahead to begin a fundraising campaign for a new career workforce academy for Fargo.
Richman had asked the board for that authority last November – but the matter was tabled.
The academy would be similar to a career academy on the Bismarck State College campus. That building is owned by the Bismarck school district.
The Fargo building would be a collaboration between the College of Science, other two year colleges and some local school districts, and would introduce students to certain careers where there is a workforce shortage.
The Board voted 5 to 3 to allow Richman to start raising private money for the building. But some board members were worried about a pending legal action concerning Governor Burgum’s line item vetoes. One of them concerned section 6 of Senate Bill 2003, which was vetoed. It contains language saying a college needed legislative approval before using a building if that building is more than 10 miles from the college campus. NDSCS is in Wahpeton. The Legislature plans to take that veto – and others – to court.
"Section 6 of SB 2003 pertains to capital projects," Richman told the Board. "I am not before you today to speak on a capital project."
But Board presidnet Kathleen Neset said she's worried about public perception.
"By approval of fundraising, it gives implied approval or a perceived approval," Neset said.
Richman said he has approval from a number of political leaders.
"You have a letter from the Governor," Richman told the Board. "You have a letter from Legislative leadership supporting this. Where's the argument?
The board said Richman must come back to the Board before moving ahead with a new building or leasing a facility.