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A Message from the PresidentLike many state agencies and institutions in Oregon and across the country, Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is facing budgetary challenges. We recognize that we must act in the best interest of the College and those we serve and find solutions to these challenges. We take our responsibility to you - students, employees, College and Foundation Board members, elected officials, community leaders and taxpayers - very seriously. We understand that you are counting on us, as an institution, to make wise decisions as we move forward in these difficult economic times. This year, the Colleges state funding was reduced by nearly $2.5 million, which severely affected MHCCs general operating budget. Another challenge revolves around MHCCs savings. The College has $900,000 saved out of a $52-million budget instead of the targeted 3 percent ($1.5 million) for fiscal year 2009-10 or the MHCC District Board of Educations goal of 5 percent ($2.6 million). In addition, there is no protected contingency budget, which is necessary in the event of legal matters or weather-related damage. The future holds additional challenges. We still face a variety of necessary facility upgrades that will cost millions of dollars, including electrical systems and seismic upgrades. We also know that if tax measures passed by the legislature to increase the state budget are overturned in January 2010 or if state funding is reduced again in February 2010, MHCC will face another round of reduced state funding. At the same time, the College is serving more students than ever this fall. With so much at stake, we have a lot of work ahead of us. The College is currently exploring and implementing solutions to help resolve current and future budget challenges. One solution that has already been implemented is a reduction in the number of days worked by employees. I am extremely grateful for the dedication of MHCCs employees and the sacrifices they have made to address these challenges. For more information about MHCCs budget challenges and planned closures, please visit www.mhcc.edu/budget. Despite the challenges facing MHCC, we remain encouraged and ask for your continued support as we weather this storm. Together, as an institution and community, there is nothing we cannot achieve. We must all pull together, keep an open mind and demonstrate a spirit of hopefulness and collaboration. With that kind of positive spirit, I am confident that the challenges that seem insurmountable can be overcome. Thank you. John J. "Ski" Sygielski |
