SIC bracing for more long state payment delays
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[SIC officials are bracing for long payment delays from the state in the upcoming fiscal year.
Last year, payment delays crippled the coffers of schools like SIC, which depends heavily on state funding. At the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, board members wrestled with the ongoing problem, according to a news release from SIC.
The board approved the issuance of General Obligation bonds to deal with anticipated delays in payment. The news release did not state the amount of the bonds or the indebtedness taxpayers will incur due to the bond issue. Last month, the board passed about $6 million in funding bonds subject to back-door referendum. It is not known whether the funding bonds approved last month and the bonds discussed this month are the same item.
The Illinois Community College Board is planning to send vouchers to the comptroller's office on a monthly basis to assist colleges with cash-flow problems. The hope is smaller, more frequent vouchers may be passed through more readily, according to a news release from SIC.
State reimbursement per credit-hour at SIC has dropped from $29.54 in 1998 to $13.13 for Fiscal Year 2011.
The funding approved by the General Assembly -- $5.6 million - will stay the same, but the basic funding level does not account for late payments. The overall ICCB budget was reduced by $13 million for the new fiscal year.
The college is still working on long-term planning despite the budget crunch.
SIC interim President Dr. Jonah Rice told board members his office is reviewing employment trends and preparing a five-year strategic plan. The President's office is also considering surveys of district high schools to help shape curriculum and program offerings, according to the news release.
Several personnel moves were approved by board members. Resignations were accepted from assistant softball coach Bryanna Smith-Rigsbey, and Wesley Durrant, fitness center monitor and assistant basketball coach, both effective immediately.
Debbie Hadfield's status was elevated from part-time to full-time CPR and training coordinator; Jane Flannigan was approved as the part-time dean of community Education; Terry Lucas was approved as the ABE/GED coordinator and data manager; Tina Kuppart was approved as the part-time assistant to the ABE/GED coordinator; Wendy Harris was approved as a full-time Cosmetology instructor; Ross Hill was approved as Head Softball Coach; and Timothy Mannisi was approved as Assistant Baseball Coach.