Staff cuts at Riverland Community College could lead to program cuts if budgetary tension is not eased, said Riverland President Gary Rhodes.

Tuesday, March 06, 2001

Staff cuts at Riverland Community College could lead to program cuts if budgetary tension is not eased, said Riverland President Gary Rhodes.

In the first round of a general downsizing, Riverland has laid off Albert Lea campus and CTS director Jean Eaton.

To consolidate customized training services (CTS), a program designed to help large employers with individual training needs, Owatonna campus CTS director Steve Bowron will move his office to Albert Lea. Bowron, an Albert Lea resident, will also serve as campus director, Rhodes said.

The move is intended to make CTS administration more efficient.

&uot;We’ve actually had two people managing customized training services,&uot; Rhodes said.

Faculty cuts are also likely this year, necessitated by increased health care costs and projected 2002 budget shortfalls, he said. No teachers will be laid off, but up to three positions will not be filled to replace retiring or resigning faculty. If money is still tight after faculty downsizing, Riverland administration will reexamine program offerings.

&uot;We will probably, in the following year, look at low enrollment projections and possibly cut those programs,&uot; Rhodes said.

Riverland will not consider closing the Albert Lea campus, he said.

Eaton will continue to serve as Albert Lea campus director and CTS director through the end of May.

&uot;She’s been a good trooper for the college,&uot; Rhodes said.