Connecticut's Board of Regents Concept Questioned

The viability of Connecticut's Board of Regents for Higher Education is being questioned as its second leader in about four years announces plans to step down.

Wilton Rep. Gail Lavielle, the leading House Republican on the General Assembly's Education Committee, said Monday that lawmakers should be reassessing the board's role overseeing four state universities, 12 community colleges and the online Charter Oak State College.

Lavielle, who proposed a bill last session to scrap the board, said there's been "one scandal after another" and this marks a "great opportunity to take a very serious look at the whole structure."

Rep. Roberta Willis, the Higher Education Committee co-chairman, said she understands Lavielle's frustration. However, she's hopeful a new president with Connecticut ties will put the system "back on track."