Lane Community College Board of Education met Feb.7 to address issues with the continuation of programs, facilities maintenance, student services and of fair contract negotiations for faculty and staff, which hasn’t happened since 1974, according to a union member.
The pending budget review seeks to resolve overseeing the costs of LCC’s Florence facilities remodel project that is nearing completion, and to analyze the findings of a potential $9 million deficit in relation to the Fund IX Sub Fund, which is an investment option LCC employs in relation to faculty compensation and health care costs.
Other discussion items were LCC experiencing 30% in position vacancies, issues of restorative justice and that of equity and inclusion with some oversight and transparency. The Student Government Association (SGA) gave a report, as did LCC President Stephanie Bulger report, and the financial committee gave findings and estimations.
The topic most spoken on during the public comment portion of the meeting was of the difficulties that some students faced this term, resulting in extra financial pressures, housing crisis, food security, access and referral information to services that are provided at LCC. However, these services and the knowledgeable personnel to staff are also becoming less reliable due to more pressing budget issues, according to Kate Neal, faculty and Student Affairs at LCC.
The board financial committee reported an 8.2% increase in enrollment, and a 8.4% increase in full-time enrollment. In addition, predictions of an increase of 5% enrollment for the 2025 year enable a 3% increase in faculty compensation to offset the rising costs of living and medical insurance rates that are rising. Currently, LCC earned $20 million for the 2023-2024 year, with an expected $1.3 million Employment Retention Tax Credit return, which would offset the potential cost of rising healthcare costs, affecting the staff and faculty at LCC.
Lane Community College Employee Federation (LCCEF) held a rally hoping to be heard and to draw support with chants of: “Dignity, respect, money in our checks.” and “We need staff, They just laugh, We need money, They think it’s funny, But if we fight, They’ll do what’s right,”the LCCEF said.
The LCCEF represents the college’s classified staff. The demand is to keep wages in line with inflation and the health insurance and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefits as they are.
