Public speaks about attending FSCC Board meeting

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Three citizens questioned the Fort Scott Community College's Board of Trustees Monday night about possibly moving forward with a more formal alliance with Pittsburg State University.

A fourth citizen had questions regarding the budgeting process that the college uses.

Dave Conradt, Bob Marshall, J.D. Handley and Dana McKenney all spoke in the allotted three-minute time-frame to the board during the public comments section.

While waiting for the board to wrap up two executive sessions, three of the individuals talked about their reason for attending the meeting.

"I'm still trying to understand the numbers the board came up with for the total budget," Conradt said "I'm still not sold that we needed a four mill increase."

For the others, the main concern and the reason they attended the meeting was the FSCC/PSU alliance that is being discussed.

"How can the board of trustees approve this alliance in light of the impact it will have on Fort Scott and Bourbon County?" Marshall asked.

"I'm concerned this arrangement, this alliance, is moving too fast," McKenney said. "Why is this all happening? My biggest concern is for the Fort Scott economy."

During the public comments portion of the meeting, Handley asked the board, "Who authorized the president to start on this path?"

"What I heard was that we need to put on the brakes and slow down....and be as transparent as possible," Board member Dick Hedges told The Tribune after the meeting.

A comprehensive report of the discussion will appear in Wednesday's edition of the Fort Scott Tribune.

In his report, FSCC President Clayton Tatro discussed the "Potential incidence of an armed individual on campus that initiated a lock down on the campus.The police department was exceptionally quick. They inspected all the buildings several times...I'm happy to report nothing came of that."

In another matter, Sarah Mae Blew, FSCC speech and theater instructor, presented information to the board on the upcoming fall musical production, "Godspell," which will run from Oct. 17-19 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at FSCC.

She said the musical, which was written in the 1970's has been updated "with Jesus coming back through social media." She said there are 18 cast members and she "loves to have the community members involved."

In other business the board:

* Approved the following personnel actions:

Additions were - Pam Constans, CAMP administrative assistant, 1/2 time position, effective Sept. 10; Haley Miller, assistant volleyball coach, effective Aug. 22; Brittany Pearl, assistant women's basketball coach, effective Aug. 21; Vana Rush, nursing lab and simulation coordinator, effective Oct. 1; and Susan Webb, Miami County evening office assistant, effective Aug. 22.

Separations -Anna Pruitt, assistant women's basketball coach, effective Aug. 19; Enrique Martinez, HEP recruiter/mentor, effective Aug. 20.

* Approved the consideration of FSCC Migrant Education Program staff to provide training to Iowa recruiters, data clerks and other Iowa MEP staff. Iowa MEP will pay FSCC MEP an amount not to exceed $48,563 for the training.

* Approved the purchase of a 2012 Chevrolet van with 20,475 miles for $24,049 from Enterprise Auto Sale, Wichita.

* Noted that the Baehr Foundation of Miami County has awarded $48,500 to the Miami County Campus for the completion of a science lab. Three estimates were received: Legacy Contractors of Paola, $47,286; Triangle Builders LLC of Paola, $69,500; and Erie Pratt of Paola, $48,599. The board accepted the Legacy Contractors bid.

* Held two executive sessions, one for 15 minutes, followed by one for 10 minutes, to discuss non-elected personnel. There was no action following the executive sessions.