State University Leaders Seek $100M To Redesign System

KUTZTOWN, Pa. (AP) – The system overseeing more than a dozen Pennsylvania universities has unanimously voted to ask the state for up to $100 million over the next five years to further consolidate.  The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors approved the motion at a meeting Thursday.  The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the money will help the system develop the infrastructure for more shared services among its schools in order to reap both savings and new revenue.  The unanimous vote comes one day after the leaders tabled a proposal when a disagreement arose over a suggestion by board chair Cynthia Shapira to raise the amount to $300 million.  The next step is for chancellor Daniel Greenstein to consider the appropriate amount to ask for each fiscal year and consult with board leaders.