Times are still tough for our state’s community college system. This was made clear at a budget work session this morning for the state board of community colleges. Here are a few interesting tidbits from the meeting:

  • No bonuses this year for presidents, faculty, or staff
  • No raises this year, with a few exceptions for promotions, increased educational level for faculty, increased duties, etc.
  • This marks the third year in a row of the salary freeze
  • Health insurance deductibles for community college employees used to be based on an employee’s status as a smoker and his or her body mass index (I kid you not!). Starting September 1st, that will change to being based solely on an employee’s contribution to the health insurance plan ($0 per month for the Basic 70/30 plan or $21.62 per month for the Standard 80/20 plan)
  • Wake Tech is the fastest growing community college, both in real numbers and percentage-wise (14% growth this year)
  • For colleges to start branch campuses, they must now seek state funding before starting construction. Previously, the General Assembly had no say in expansion.