GCC president tells board of state funding proposal

By CHARITY SMITH

[email protected]

Ironwood — Gogebic Community College President George McNulty shared with the college board Tuesday his concerns about the budget recommendation funding model proposed in the state House Appropriations Subcommittee last week regarding universities and community colleges during the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

McNulty said he learned, that if enacted, GCC could face an 18.6% reduction in state funding.

“If enacted as proposed, not only this fall, but phased in fully over the next three years, this recommendation would have a devastatingly negative effect on GCC’s mission and operational capacity,” McNulty said. “This could lead to untenable choices to keep our college viable and sustainable.”

The college is working with state representatives to communicate the immediate and long-lasting effects this proposal would have on GCC, he said.

“Gogebic Community College is vital to the educational, economic and social well being of the Western Upper Peninsula,” said board chairman John Lupino. “To say the least, GCC is disappointed in this initial budget proposal for numerous reasons that impact the Upper Peninsula and our ability to support the citizens of our district and region.”

The board also heard a review of the cosmetology program by instructors Nicole Hocking and Laura Erickson during its regular meeting on Tuesday.

The program is offered over the course of three semesters, and offers over 1,500 hours of theoretical and hands-on training, the instructors told the board. Students in the program commit to devoting eight hours a day, five days a week to the program over the semesters, the vast majority of which is spent in the student salon/lab.

The cosmetology program is approved by the state of Michigan Board of Licensing and Regulation and prepares students to take the state licensing board examination, said Hocking, adding graduates are eligible to transfer their license to Wisconsin, at a “reasonable” cost, which allows graduates an opportunity to be licensed in both states.

Hocking said the program has a 100% pass rate on the state’s licensing exam.

“A lot (of students) are not prepared for what is really taught in our course,” said Hocking. “They think it is an easy course and, you know, we have anatomy, physiology, electricity, chemistry, and they’re really not prepared for that part of it.”

The program offers an opportunity for people interested in the program to job shadow a student enrolled in the program, so that they can see what is really expected of them, Hocking said.

The cosmetology program is also now available to students in the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District vocational technology program.

“It’s ready to roll whenever we have students ready to roll,” said Erickson.

Hocking said the high school students would be able to complete the theory course that is required among other courses, and be able to earn their certificate within one year after graduating high school.

Roberta Anders, of Los Angeles, was hired as the new administrative assistant to the president. Anders holds a bachelor’s degreee in business administration from California State University-Channel Islands and a Master of Business Administration from California Lutheran University. She has several years of experience as an executive assistant. According to McNulty, she has ties to the area and has fond memories of learning to ski at Mt. Zion. She will start June. 7. She is replacing Kari Klemme who became marketing strategist for the college.

The board accepted the bid from Nasi Construction of Hurley for $14,920 to build a new entry sign for the Ironwood campus and the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center. The bid includes footings, base and installation of the sign. The college and city of Ironwood are working together on the project.

In other action, the board also:

—Met the women’s softball team.

—Approved an anti-fraud policy.

—Approved a COVID-19 Pandemic Safety Protocols Policy.

—Approved the list of non-affiliated staff re-appointments, including Glen Ackerman-Berr, director of workforce development, whose pay will be switched from being funded by the foundation to the college.

—Approved the resignation of Kristina Kendall, staff accountant and administrative assistant to the vice president of business services and is seeking a replacement immediately.

—Approved the list of 2021 graduates.