Declining enrollment and the importance of a plan to face that challenge seemed to be a recurring topic during a meeting of North Central Missouri College trustees on Tuesday evening.
In a meeting in which the adoption of the 2016-2017 budget would seem to be the highlight, there was much discussion prior to its adoption about the impact decreasing enrollment is having on college finances – as well as discussion of the need to offer incentives for some instructors to come to NCMC when the college is struggling to keep pace with salaries offered outside the educational setting.
Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of Instruction Dr. Sharon Weiser told trustees that retention is a problem at the college, noting that students are not staying for their sophomore year and indicating that only 13 to 14 percent of dual credit students actually enroll at NCMC after high school. She also discussed the changes in the course delivery method, noting that students are choosing on-line, rather than on-ground classes, whether that be on the campus or at one of the outreach sites. NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver said some of the decrease in enrollment can be contributed to demographics but, as he has indicated before, the college will be developing a new strategic plan that will focus on attracting and retaining students.
A related discussion was held concerning the difficulty of attracting nursing faculty. Director of Nursing and Health Sciences Brooke McAtee told trustees that as she has been attempting to fill the three vacant positions in the Maryville nursing program, it has become clear that the salary that nurses can demand in health care settings is a barrier to attracting qualified applicants. The college’s accreditation bodies require master’s level instructors, who can command high salaries and in fact, can become nurse practitioners and earn as much as $100,000 per year. Mrs. McAtee said she knows the college cannot compete with those salaries and, as an alternative, proposed a four-day work week for nursing faculty. Currently, classes are not held on Friday, but instructors do work on those days. Since they are required to work two shifts in a health care setting each month to meet requirements, they sometimes work 12 days in a row. It is hoped that by offering the more flexible, shorter work week, more qualified candidates will be interested in teaching at NCMC. The board approved the proposal as a sort of pilot program to see how it works. Nursing department staff will also have a four-day work week, but the offices will be open five days a week, with staff rotating.
The board approved the 2016-2017 budget, with the college’s unrestricted accounts (operational) budget projects total revenues of $9,676,475 and expenditures of $10,073,658 for a deficit of $397,183. The Auxiliary Service Accounts budget projects revenues of $2,829,725 and expenses of $2,759,242 for a surplus of $70,483.
On the revenue side, tuition and fees will bring in about $476,000 less than last year based on enrollment projections and no increase in tuition rates. State appropriations are listed at $2,770,000 (an increase of $190,000), which also includes an increase for performance funding and an equity adjustment. Local tax revenue is expected to remain stable, but it was noted that three revenue streams have been lost: the AHEC contract of $14,000; Northwest Missouri State University ITV contract of $20,000; and Foundation salary reimbursement of $30,000.
On the expense side, items listed included a Title IV liability repayment of $220,676, a 5.6 percent increase in employee health insurance premiums, which is over $37,000 in additional health insurance and retirement costs, inclusion of men’s and women’s golf teams at a cost of $36,514 and a 3 percent increase in utility costs. Returning eligible employees will receive a 2 percent salary increase, which will result in an increase of approximately $82,000 in salary and retirement costs.
Dr. Klaver, who began his duties in May, will be paid $145,580 this year, with an additional $8,000 for an auto allowance. CFO/Director of Operations Tyson Otto will be paid $67,626 while Dean of Students Dr. Kristen Alley will be paid $77,652 and Dr. Weiser will be paid $84,129.
Board members also approved the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act budget, with revenues and expenditures for July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 listed at $435,693. The four Workforce Investment Board staff members will receive 5 percent salary increases, which will bring their salaries to $64,107 for Executive Director Lisa Hostetler; $55,378 for Fiscal Manager Jeanie Griffin; $42,070 for Program Operations Manager Miranda Brummett; and $33,561 for Equal Opportunity Officer Brent Stevens.
Trustees approved the resignation of women’s softball coach Megan Cairns, who is moving to be closer to family, and approved the transfer of Steve Richman from head men’s basketball coach to head women’s softball coach. Richman, who will begin his new duties July 1, will continue to receive the same salary and will continue his position as athletic director.
A change of position was approved for Ryan Woodward, who will move from database administrator to systems administrator. He assumes his new duties on July 1. Jaime Cunningham was approved for a transfer from cashier/admissions representative to admissions recruiter beginning Aug. 1. She will be paid $30,000 annually. Kristie Cross was approved for a transfer from marketing specialist to director of admissions beginning July 11. She will be paid $42,000. Also approved for employment was Noel Staddie of Laclede, who will serve as a full-time faculty member in the early childhood education department. She had previously served as an adjunct instructor.
Hired to serve as clinical adjunct instructors for the nursing program at a daily salary of $250 were Samantha Brown of Hopkins, Joseph (Danny) Perry of Chillicothe; Amanda Donovan of King City and Debra Herring of Maryville. They will all begin their duties in August.
Board members approved a revised job description for the career and technical education recruiter and retention specialist that moves that position to the admissions team rather than the administrative team, with the recruiter reporting to the director of admissions. Also approved was the Green Hills Head Start Self-Assessment results and suggestions for improvement, the annual lease renewal for the bond agreement with UMB Bank and the purchase of a Gator from Sydenstricker Lawn and Garden of Chillicothe at a cost of $19,920. The board waived its policy of requiring two readings for board policy manual changes and approved a change involving the reimbursement of travel expenses for applicants for certain positions.
Dr. Klaver presented a new organizational chart that he said emphasizes communication and working across the barriers of traditional organizational charts. In his report to the board he gave an update on the Geyer Hall renovation project, which is progressing on schedule.
An executive session was held to discuss legal matters, personnel and real estate, with the board taking action to re-hire Deanna Scroggie, a nursing educator at the Maryville site. Ms. Scroggie had earlier indicated she did not wish to return to her position, but has since reconsidered.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26 at 5:30 p.m.
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