One of the board’s goals is to "Define the Institute for Extended Learning’s roles, relationships and future directions as they relate to the district – including District Administration, Spokane Community College, and Spokane Falls Community College – in collaboration with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges."

To that end I have created a task force to propose for my consideration consensus findings and recommendations. The following guidelines will apply:

The foundation of all task force findings and recommendations shall recognize the board’s value for success to "Operate as a district."

The scope of the study should concentrate on credit instruction, continuing education, and business and industry training.

The task force should examine organizational models and processes that will improve delivery of education services to students, employers and the community.

Work of the task force shall address:

• The current programmatic and financial relationship between the IEL and SFCC, and suggested improvements.

• The need for and viability of creating formal programmatic and financial relationships between the IEL and SCC.

• The most effective and efficient means to deliver business and industry training in the district.

• The requirements of accreditation as they relate to the IEL and the colleges.

• Increasing the IEL’s ability to independently pursue resources from state and other entities.

The task force, while examining financial issues related to the IEL should refrain from exploring the reallocation of district resources among the entities. That will be dealt with in another venue.

The Task Force is asked to complete its work by the end of Winter quarter 2005.

Each task force member is directed to participate fully, representing the interests of the Community Colleges of Spokane. Task force members will adhere to the principle of confidentiality, respecting at all times the confidentiality of other task force members and the process.

Oct. 11, 2004