The future of the A-Plus Schools Program was among items discussed during a meeting Tuesday evening of the North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees.
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NCMC President Dr. Neil Nuttall told trustees that the A-Plus Program, which has been moved from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Missouri Department of Higher Education, is being looked at for possible changes. He said colleges have been asked to consider what should happen with A-Plus funds. He said he believes that a cap may be placed on the amount of funds that can be used based on the number of hours in a student’s declared major. He said many details are still to be worked out, but that he does believe changes will occur.
In a related matter, Dr. Nuttall noted that there has been an emphasis in the past five years or so on scholarships and having students apply for those awards. That, he said, could not have come at a better time. He and Director of Development Steve Maxey pointed out that $17,500 was recently obligated in Allied Health scholarships, the largest amount awarded in the history of the college. Maxey said there has been an increase in the quality of applicants and applications, as well as increased support for the healthcare programs. He also commended staff for encouraging students to apply for financial aid.
Dr. Nuttall also discussed career and technical education and said questions being asked right now revolve around the number of students taking developmental courses, the clarity of standards set by colleges and whether or not students really need those developmental classes.
Dr. Nuttall also updated the board on programs that may be eliminated at colleges and universities across the state due to a low number of students enrolled or duplicity in delivering those programs. He also discussed the effort to expand broadband capabilities throughout the state and the impact it could make on north Missouri.
Trustees approved the purchase of classroom equipment from Cytek Media of Topeka, KS to upgrade four classrooms in Hoffman Hall. The equipment will replace existing equipment in the computer labs and accounting labs in Hoffman Hall and will be funded through an Enhancement Grant. Each of the four classrooms will cost $14,853.88 for a total of $59,415.52. The existing equipment will be moved to other classrooms on campus. Also approved was the purchase of computer software from Insight of Tempe, AZ at a cost of $28,136.99, which was the lowest of three bids received. The software will be an upgrade to software currently used in the classroom and will be funded by an Enhancement Grant.
Trustees accepted the resignation of Kellie Norris as nurse educator in the Level II Nursing Program, effective Dec. 31. Dr. Nuttall said the college will be looking for a replacement in the spring, with existing staff and a couple of adjunct instructors poised to fill in until a new instructor is employed.
Trustees accepted the resignation of Max Mothersbaugh as the women’s softball coach, effective at the end of the 2010-2011 school year/softball season. Mothersbaugh has coached for 35 years, 16 of those at NCMC.
Trustees also:
• were introduced to residence hall assistants, including Heather Johnson of Princeton, Johna Garrett and Emily Smith of Gower, Katie Welch of Albany, Austin Warren of Lone Jack and Seth Spencer of Carl Junction.
• heard a report from Vice President of Instruction/Student Services Dr. James Gardner on recent meetings concerning the alternative energy program and the possibility of developing a bachelor’s degree program in wind energy with Northwest Missouri State University.
• heard an update from Vice President of Administrative Services Sharon Barnett on the “one-card” system, which she noted is now also used for student payroll.
• heard information from Maxey on the Barton Campus construction, including efforts to fund the construction of a greenhouse through grants. He also said there are 79 teams from 45 high schools entered in the Holiday Hoops Basketball Tournament, with over 150 volunteers recruited so far to help with the event. He noted that campus tours will be given to teams who are on campus prior to the Christmas break.
An executive session was held to discuss personnel, with no announcement being made.
The board is scheduled to meet again at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, which is a change in the regular meeting date due to Christmas break.