New Fiscal Year Budget Approved
POSITIVE NEWS for Faculty , Staff and Students
THIS SUMMER , the EFSC Board of Trustees unanimously approved the college ’ s new $ 77 million plan for the fiscal year 2021-22 , which included pay raises for faculty and staff and no tuition increase for students for the 10th straight year . This was great news following a challenging year during which the college successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and a deep recession .
EFSC President Dr . Jim Richey took a few moments from his busy day to answer a few questions about the budget plan .
Dr . Richey , we know you were excited to be able to present your plan to the Board of Trustees . How was the college able to make this possible ?
The college is on sound fiscal footing because we lived within our means in a financially responsible way , avoiding the job and academic program cuts that have hit other colleges and universities hard . I am proud of our team for tightening belts and being creative .
The budget fully funds all academic programs and includes cost savings such as not filling vacant positions and reductions to several areas of college operations .
You always have students at the heart of the decisions you make as college president . Sometimes raising prices is necessary to keep the doors open and business operating at a superior level . Please share your thoughts on the decision to keep tuition costs the same again for the 10th straight year .
Students have had a tough year with many financially hurt by the pandemic . Keeping tuition affordable is critically important for them to stay in the classroom . It has always been and remains as my top priority . The more we can do to ensure students achieve their career goals with as little debt as possible , the better off we will be as an institution , and as a community .
You reached a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the United Faculty of Florida Brevard Chapter that includes a $ 1,750 increase to base salary in the first year .
That is correct . Additionally , adjunct faculty will receive an additional 3 percent raise in compensation for each class they teach .
Our faculty are among the college ’ s most valuable resources and their performance was extraordinary this past year as in-person classes were moved online . Students continued to receive an excellent education because of their efforts . We truly could not have accomplished what we did without them .
You were especially pleased to be able to provide staff with a raise this budget cycle , weren ’ t you ?
Absolutely . Our staff rose to the occasion during the pandemic , demonstrating innovation and dedication that kept students on the right track . They are firstclass professionals and are extremely valued .
We were pleased to be able to provide all full-time and regular part-time non-probationary staff with a 3-percent pay increase in base salary . In addition , the college will also pay 100 percent of the premium cost for health , dental and life insurance for the base individual employee plans .
The budget benefited from an additional $ 1.6 million in funds above last year ’ s appropriation from the Florida Legislature , right ?
It sure did . Their support continues to make a big difference to our students and college , especially the efforts of Rep . Rene Plasencia , District 50 , Florida House of Representatives . It means a lot to all of us and is greatly appreciated .
10 | EFSConnections Fall 2021