The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees endorsed members of action teams to implement a strategic action plan for the college, approved several personnel items and made changes in the dates to two upcoming meetings during a meeting Thursday night.
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The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees endorsed members of action teams to implement a strategic action plan for the college, approved several personnel items and made changes in the dates to two upcoming meetings during a meeting Thursday night.
The board gave its approval to the strategic plan/action plans, which were developed recently with input from a cross-section of persons involved in the college. The plan as presented included the names of several individuals who will be involved in working on the strategies identified. Once the work is complete, the plan will be brought back to the Board of Trustees next spring and items will be worked into the budget as it is being developed for 2006-2007.
Among the strategies approved were: develop and implement a comprehensive plan for technology and library resource; develop a master facility management plan; determine feasibility of expanding the taxing district; increase student enrollment; improve relationships with regional public and private school districts, including home schools; continue to develop and improve relationships with two- and four-year schools; foster relationships with business and industry; strengthen relationships within the college community; expand on-line services for students; strengthen learning initiatives across the curriculum in core areas; develop innovative programs that address economic needs;develop and implement a plan to improve employee communication; develop a staffing plan; achieve and maintain competitive employee salary and compensation; and provide for employee advancement, encourage professional development and promote high morale.
President Dr. Neil Nuttall said the plan was presented to all staff members, who are being asked to participate in the action plan process. Several individuals have already agreed to be a part of the planning process, which Dr. Nuttall said will also coincide with the college’s accreditation process.
The board accepted the resignation of Jessica Heeren as ARC learning specialist for writing and reading, effective June 30, 2006. She indicated in her letter of resignation that she is looking for educational and employment opportunities in other regions of Missouri.
Also submitting a letter of resignation/retirement was Richard Stephens, site coordinator for NCMC on the Northwest Missouri State University Campus. Stephens plans to either resign or retire at the conclusion or just prior to the end of this contract. If he chooses to leave before his contract is up, the position will be filled with an adjunct instructor to finish the year.
The board approved the employment of Joshua Allee of Sheridan as an adjunct instructor in the Business Technology Department. He will be teaching Microcomputer Applications class at Worth County R-3 School for dual credit this fall. Brenda Ferguson of Trenton was hired as a part-time clinical instructor for the Level I Practical Nursing Program at a pay rate of $165 per day. Janet Diaz of Gallatin was hired as an instructor for the Adult Education and Literacy Program, while Calvary Wells of Chillicothe were hired as a secretary for the program. Ms. Diaz will be paid $10.50 per hour, while Ms. Wells will be paid $7.55 per hour.
In discussing Head Start personnel issues, the board accepted the resignation of Callista Aguilar as teacher aide at the Gallatin Center and approved the employment of Jana Lee of Gallatin as the cook at the Trenton “A” Center. Patricia Schoenherr of Unionville was hired as the teacher aide for the Unionville Head Start Center.
Board members also gave their approval to a contract with Bill Whited of Clio, IA, who will teach three on-campus courses this fall due to the resignation of Satara Armstrong, a sociology instructor, at last month’s meeting. Whited will be paid $2,574 for the remainder of the semester, which is 65 percent of the amount that the college would typically pay for an entire semester of teaching.
During the meeting, it was suggested that the board utilize external/adjunct instructors as independent contractors rather than utilizing them as part-time employees. Personnel Director Dr. Gene Moyers indicated that this approach is common at many institutions of higher learning and exempts the college from unemployment and workers compensation liability. He said he is developing a “contract for services” agreement that will be used for all future external/adjunct instructors.
Board members Chris Hoffman and Don Dalrymple expressed some concerns with hiring adjunct instructors as independent contractors, with Hoffman being concerned about the employee paying all of the Social Security costs as an independent contractor. Dalrymple questioned liability issues in regard to teachers who have laboratory classes. Dr. Moyers was asked to bring back more information on the issue for the board to consider at its next meeting.
The board gave the go ahead to continue the process of hiring an individual to serve as the online services coordinator for the college. This is a new position and will be funded with monies provided by the college, Head Start and the WIA. This individual would work with the school’s online programs, assisting both staff and students.
In other business, the board moved its next meeting from Nov. 22 to Nov. 21 and its December meeting from Dec. 27 to Dec. 20. The Nov. 21 meeting will also be moved back one hour to 6:30 p.m. while the Dec. 20 meeting will remain at the same time, 5:30 p.m.
The board heard several reports from administrators. Dean of Instructor Dr. James Gardner said a meeting is planned on Oct. 21 between officials of NCMC and Northwest Missouri State University to discuss issues involving secondary education plans, including articulation agreements between the two schools. Assistant Deans Julie Hefley and Dr. Vickie Wheeler, instructor James Treu and Director of Development Steve Maxey will make presentations at the Missouri Association of Community Colleges meeting next month.
Dean of Students Joanna Anderson said students from several area schools have been participating in “Junior A-Plus Day” on campus, learning about the A-Plus Program while receiving information about NCMC. She said a student leadership workshop is planned for Oct. 29 and that a calling night will be held on Nov. 9 to contact individuals who have expressed an interest in attending NCMC next spring or next year. An open house is also planned at the college on Nov. 16 for prospective students. She said that 353 mid-term deficiencies notices have been sent, which is down from last year.
Chief Fiscal Officer Sharon Barnett reported that auditors will be on campus next week and that a representative from D.K. Environmental Services will be on campus to take samples on the former R&K Glass property, where two fuel tanks were removed. The bid opening for the Hoffman Hall addition will be on Nov. 10.
Director of Development Steve Maxey said that over 300 persons attended the 80th anniversary celebration of the college last weekend and that plans are already under way for next year’s event. He said new lighting and banners are now in place on campus and recognized the city of Trenton, Trenton Municipal Utilities, the Bert and Rose Hoover Foundation, the Trenton Downtown Improvement Association and NCMC Physical Plant Director Randy Young and his staff for their work. Additional lighting, banners, landscaping and signage are also planned in the future. The R&K Glass lot has been graveled and can now have up to 90 vehicles parked on it. NCMC will be the host for the Thursday night banquet at the MCCA Convention and will have entertainment provided by the Four Dimensions. The college will have its new college exhibit booth on display. Tom Tingerthal of KCHI radio, who was nominated by NCMC, will be receiving one of three news media awards and the Online Outreach Cohort-Business Management Program will receive a Technology Innovation Award.
Dr. Nuttall reported on a program to be presented Oct. 28 as part of a seminar series sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa. He said area school superintendents will be on campus Oct. 26 to discuss the new graduation requirements as well as other topics.
An executive session was held for real estate, personnel and legal matters. No announcement was made.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21 in the Frey Administrative Center.