JWCC Trustees Approve Balanced Budget and Strategic Initiative Investments for 2022 Fiscal Year
John Wood Community College Board of Trustees approved a $16,199,429 balanced budget and adopted the College’s strategic plan for the 2022 fiscal year during its regular meeting Wednesday, July 21.
For the fifth straight year, JWCC’s budget has included a tuition and institutional fee freeze. All in-district, out-of-district and online students will not experience tuition or institutional fee increases during the 2021-2022 academic year.
“Affordability and accessibility are vital for anyone seeking education whether they are pursuing a degree or certificate, taking part in training for their career or by enrolling in a class for personal enrichment,” JWCC President Michael Elbe said. “Our mission is to make those opportunities as accessible as possible, especially the cost, because individuals who access education at every stage in life help themselves, their communities, and our region’s economic prosperity.”
The 2022 budget is $208,424 higher than last year to support strategic plan initiatives, enrollment priorities and College contractual obligations.
As part of the annual FY22 Strategic Master Plan endorsed by the Board of Trustees, JWCC President Michael Elbe highlighted two initiatives: the Missouri Career Scholarship and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) standing committee to be led by the President of the College as an institutional priority.
With feedback from community forums and business and industry partners, JWCC continues to make investments in initiatives to expand and recruit Missouri high school and adult students to help fill the workforce needs of the Tri-State area. Elbe stated, “The JWCC Missouri Career Scholarship is to encourage more students in neighboring Missouri counties to enter high-demand, head-of-household occupations. The scholarship is specifically for career and technical programs including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, logistics and healthcare to assist our regional economy.”
John Wood’s DEI committee will now be led by President Michael Elbe. The team consists of the President, staff, faculty and student representation. JWCC has always embraced the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, and this last year has brought forth a greater opportunity to be more intentional to promote fairness and a voice for all. Elbe shared, “We know having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing and increasingly diverse world.”
In other business, the board:
Authorized submission of a $500,000 to $2 million dollar grant application to the USDA for Rural Innovation Strong Economy Grant. Funds would support the creation of a business incubator at the JWCC Southeast Education Center in Pittsfield.
Authorized submission of a $230,000 grant application to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Entrepreneurial for the Small Business Community Navigation Grant.
Approved payment of $4,028 first installment dues to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association.
Approved adoption of the college Standing Committees.
The next regular meeting of the JWCC Board of Trustees is August 18, 2021, at JWCC’s Agricultural Education Center, located at 37803 State Hwy 104, Baylis, IL 62314.
