COCONEWS
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

CCC President Outlines Tier Two of Sustainable Financial Plan

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Dr. Leah L. Bornstein addressed Coconino Community College employees with the latest information and plan for an ever-tightening budget. She explained that Arizona State Funding, which provides more than 20 percent of the college’s budget is being cut again, this time by about 8 percent or some $260,000. With the start of Fiscal Year 2009, state funding to CCC was slashed by 17 percent, or more than half-a-million dollars. In FY 2010, state funding to CCC is expected to be cut again by another 15 percent.

Thus, the college is moving from Tier One of its Sustainable Financial Plan to Tier Two. Dr. Bornstein said she will be recommending to the District Governing Board next week no tuition increases and no salary increases. In addition, she is asking  that no classes be scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays. From May 11 to Aug. 2 the college will be closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. She also said that CCC may need to cut back on janitorial service.    

CCC has been following a three-tiered sustainable financial plan since May 2008 and has been able to find ways to make up 90 percent of the original 17 percent cut.

Dr. Bornstein asked employees to stay positive and reminded them of their successes such as CCC2NAU, which has enrolled 100 students this semester. Also, early figures show that overall headcount is up 11 percent.