By Abigail Beckman, Staff Reporter.
The most recent Delta College Board of Trustee’s monthly meeting took place on May 10 at 7 p.m. Prior to this, a dinner meeting took place in which Debra Lutz, treasurer, began a discussion of the budget.
During the board meeting, Delta was served with another lawsuit from local attorney Kim Higgs. According to Higgs, who was a board member himself from 2006 to 2012, Delta is violating the Freedom of Information Act, also known as FOIA. In this case, titled Harlan Vermilya and Ann Anklam v. Delta College Board of Trustees, Anklam alleges she made a request for information which Delta was supposedly unable to provide.
This case is still ongoing. This is not Higgs’s first case against the Delta College Board of Trustees. In fact, this is the sixth case that he has been involved with since 2007.
According to Board Chair Mike Rowley, “This college follows the rules.” Robert Emrich, member of the Saginaw County board, agreed with Rowley by saying, “We will follow the law. We do not make the law. We follow not the policy—but the law.”
Also during the meeting, the Budget Cabinet analyzed paperwork with changes in fund balances, cash position reports, etc. Lutz says, “Budget fees sound simple.” However, according to Lutz, it isn’t as simple as picking numbers. The budget cabinet analyzes other community colleges and compares them to Delta’s budget. “We do it for fun,” Lutz admits, “We know we’re not in the same ball park by any means.”
Delta’s enrollment rates have been decreasing. This, however, is not brand new information. Enrollment rates have been decreasingly steadily and continually over the past few years with 2001 being the recent lowest point.
Lutz lightened the mood with good news from her Treasurer’s Report. She says that Delta is in a “solid cash position.” She continued by saying savings and expenses make up for the revenue costs.
Board Member Barbara Webb made it clear that this year new computers are needed for the four year life cycle. This fall, approximately $686,000 will be used to fulfill students’ academic needs by getting new computers and updates. The old computers will be used for computer repair courses and public surplus auction site.
R. Earl Selby, Saginaw County board member, suggested an idea to Webb regarding the old school computers. He proposed that some old computers be used as an option to students who cannot afford a newer, more expensive computer. Webb responded by saying she will take this into consideration.
At that point of the meeting, the focus was turned to the music department. Brad DeRoche discussed the success of the new pre-major opportunity for those pursuing a career in music. He shared that it is proven that one’s IQ is increased by 3 points after only 9 months of studying music. DeRoche continued by sharing that the median income for a musical artist is $42,000. DeRoche said that the music program has added new classes and performance opportunities such as concerts for Delta.
Choir Instructor Dr. Timothy Hendrickson continued DeRoche’s presentation starting with the news that he and the choirs will be travelling to Austria to perform this year. According to Hendrickson, Delta’s choirs were the only choirs in the U.S. invited to perform in Austria.
After hearing of the new musical opportunities coming to Delta, Dr. Jean Goodnow, President, began the President’s Report. She shared with great regret that English professors Neville Britto and Bill Ketchum will be retiring.
Diane Middleton, Bay County board member, included that David Bledsoe, architecture instructor, is also retiring. Selby says, “Bledsoe is a tremendous instructor.”
Monika Moore, geography instructor, will be resigning as well. Moore will be going back to school to experiment with other studies.
Goodnow also announced Jonathon Miller, an addition to the staff, will be stepping in as the new Dean of Students. Miller has background experience as an assistant Dean in Massachusetts where he is currently working.
Trustee and chair comments included the complimenting of the Delta summer camp opportunities which run from June 20 through July 28. Some of these summer camps include a junior police academy, weather camp, asthma camp, and SAT prep/college readiness. Most camps are for elementary to middle school ages. If you have any questions, you can call (989) 686-9444 or visit www.delta.edu/summercamps.
Rowley concluded the meeting by complementing the choir and their singing efforts. He reminded all that President Dr. Jean Goodnow’s evaluation will be held in June.
