To: DCCCD Employees
From: Bill Wenrich, Chancellor
Re: State Budget Reduction
Date: January 27, 2003
As many of you know from recent news coverage, the Governor has announced - in light of current revenue estimates - that spending will be reduced among state agencies and higher education by at least 7 percent for the period remaining until August 31, 2003. The expected loss of state revenues for the Dallas County Community College District is $7.4 million. This cut also comes at a time when our budget is stretched significantly by the demand for classes and services because of our increasing enrollment.
The Governor has requested a written plan by February 6, 2003, and has indicated that Texas community colleges should submit one plan through the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC). I will attend a meeting on Wednesday in Austin for further discussion about the plan.
This morning I met with the Chancellor's Cabinet to discuss some ways in which we might address this deficit. We will meet again on Thursday morning after the statewide TACC gathering on Wednesday. This morning we agreed to the following general principles:
- We have no plans to impose a reduction in force in DCCCD as a result of this budget cut. Generally, vacancies for administrative and professional support staff positions will not be filled.
- The Chancellor's Cabinet is proposing the elimination of Maymester and Summer II in 2003 as a way to save resources. Further research is taking place to assess the impact on programs like allied health where students depend on continuous enrollment.
- Generally, travel will be curtailed drastically. Trips that are scheduled for which expenses already have been incurred and trips where individuals are a critical part of the program will be honored by each location when possible.
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Many issues need to be discussed as budget reductions are made. The Chancellor's Cabinet and I will continue to keep you posted as more information becomes available.