Faculty and students challenge the $4 million deficit strategy as Criminal Justice and HIM programs face the chopping block
By Dallas Wiltgen
Lane Community College board members faced mounting criticism May 6, as students, faculty, and community members pushed back against planned academic cuts tied to the college’s ongoing budget crisis. The Wednesday night Board of Education and Budget Committee meetings centered on the college’s effort to close a structural deficit estimated at more than $4 million. Administrators defended the reductions as necessary to stabilize finances and rebuild reserves, while critics argued the college is cutting student-facing programs instead of reducing administrative costs.
Much of the controversy focused on the suspension of LCC’s Health Information Management (HIM) and Criminal Justice associate degree programs. Administrators estimate the cuts will save approximately $534,000 annually. Current students in Criminal Justice will be allowed to complete their coursework through a phased teach-out process, while many HIM students will likely transition to Klamath Community College.
Public comment kicked off the board meeting with a series of sharp rebukes from the campus community. Student Richard Rierdan spoke directly against the suspension of the HIM and Criminal Justice programs, while student Zachary Smith criticized the broader strategy of cutting academic pathways to balance the books.
Amelia Hampton, a former student body president, voiced frustration over the treatment of student leadership. “This level of disregard makes me feel disrespected as a student of this college,” Hampton told the board, demanding more respect be shown to student trustees. Princess Hebert echoed these sentiments, noting that while students understand the reality of a budget crisis, other expenditures should be exhausted before touching core programs.
Faculty and staff representatives also questioned the administration’s transparency. Lane EA member Jay Frazier asked why the administration avoided the Budget Development Subcommittee (BDS) when bypassing the mitigation plan. Fellow member Zahra Pastos raised concerns over a “rushed process” that lacked due process, suggesting the board was prioritizing meeting minutes over truly hearing the people affected.
The human cost of the cuts was highlighted by Peggy Oberstellar, who spoke for a colleague whose classes are being eliminated despite consistently having full enrollment and waitlists. Meanwhile, Jen Sacklin questioned the morale and utility of upcoming inservice days, noting that employees are “losing their positions left, right, and center.”
Tensions rose further when Lane EA member Wendy Simmons challenged the board’s attempt to cap public comment time, reading aloud Board Policy 2200 to remind officials of public participation rights.
In organizational reports, the Student Government Association (SGA) noted they have been in office for one month. SGA representatives highlighted preparations for the May 28 Spring Festival, a voter awareness drive, and Pirate Craft Day. President Olsen is reportedly working on bringing back the Oregon Student Association and collaborating with the US Students Association.
The LCC Education Association (LCCEA) report remained focused on the numbers, expressing concern that the administration’s budget forecasts include overestimated expenses and underestimated revenues. The faculty union stated they do not agree with the figures presented during the April 22 special meeting and are currently moving forward after a lengthy contract approval process.
The proposed FY2027 budget includes a $2 per credit hour tuition increase and the possible elimination of 20.5 staff positions. Additional reductions under consideration include cuts to tutoring, library staffing, and the closure of the college’s printing and graphics department.
Board members remain divided. Some trustees previously expressed concern that the affected programs were not given enough opportunity to address financial issues before being selected for suspension. Others argued delaying action would only shift cuts elsewhere across the institution.
The board is expected to continue budget discussions throughout May before adopting a final spending plan ahead of the new fiscal year beginning July 1.
