RALEIGH: A new fiscal year brings the time for new budget plans. The State Board of Community Colleges began that process today by looking at the implications of overall budget cuts that may be imposed on the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).

In a report requested by the Office of State Budget and Management, the North Carolina Community College System Office staff prepared a detailed report showing the effects of budget cuts of one, two and three percent. The report was prepared after receiving information from the colleges and the North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology. System President H. Martin Lancaster will present the report to OSBM on Friday, January 17.

The report shows that the projected cuts, $6,383,000 at one percent, up to $19,151,000 at three percent, would have a drastic effect on the services provided to the students enrolled in the NCCCS. The cuts would mean the elimination of thousands of instructional positions and would result in tens of thousands of students not receiving much-needed educational services.

Lancaster pointed out that even at one percent, the curriculum and continuing education classroom would be substantially affected. "Students will have fewer choices, delaying goal completion. The elimination of continuing education classes frustrates employer needs for skilled, critically thinking, problem-solving employees."

In identifying cuts, which are solely based on formula, no categorical, economic development activities, summer term or equipment cuts were considered. These were areas that were not targeted in the last budget and it is hoped those areas will be sacrosanct this time as well.

In other action the State Board:

Approved a resolution that endorses an Optional Retirement Program for new community college presidents. The actual plan is expected to receive Board approval next month.

Began a process that will change the way the salaries of college presidents are calculated.

The new rule, when enacted, will allow executive experience at an education agency and executive experience in the business community to be considered as eligible experience. At present only experience as a college president is an eligible factor.

Approved MGT of America, Inc. as the consultant that will conduct a study of the NCCCS to determine if money could be saved by consolidating any of the 58 community colleges.

-NCCCS-

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