FSCC board aims to raise public awareness of college's impact

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees is scheduled to receive an update Monday on the college's involvement in the community during National Community College Month.

During their regular meeting in the FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton St., trustees are slated to hear a report from FSCC President Clayton Tatro on upcoming activities and events the college has planned to help inform the public about the college's impact on the community.

"We started a process last year where we want to take some specific opportunities in April to talk about the college," Tatro said. "It's an update and rundown of what we have planned in terms of the community."

Tatro said he also plans to talk about the college's economic impact and the value of community colleges in general, including the "value or return on the investment that there is at FSCC for the Bourbon County taxpayer." The board is also expected to receive an update on the college's recent revenues and expenses, he said.

Tatro added that he plans to attend various community events the next couple of weeks where he will have a chance to talk with local residents about FSCC and National Community College Month.

On April 25, the college will host a dedication ceremony for the new Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center and the first-ever Community Appreciation Day, which FSCC officials designed to thank community members for supporting the college. The entire campus will be open to the public that day for a full afternoon of free events and activities, including food, children's activities, adult classes, displays, and other entertainment.

Tatro said Community Appreciation Day was scheduled to take place in April as part of the college's participation in National Community College Month, and that college officials are hoping for the event to be conducted annually in April.

According to the United States Department of Education, April is designated as National Community College Month in recognition of the vital role the nation's 1,195 community college's play in providing broad access to higher education at affordable prices. Community colleges serve nearly one-half of the nation's college students, and more than 40 percent of the nation's college-aged students begin their academic careers at a community college, according to the USDE.

On Monday, the board is also scheduled to conduct the following business:

* Hear a report on the FSCC men's basketball team from head coach Michael Cook.

* Approve the March treasurer's report, which showed a $3 million starting cash balance, $2 million in expenses, $1.2 million in revenue, and a $2.1 million ending cash balance.

* Consider the employment of Donna Estill as dean of instruction, and the resignation of security officer Bart Yoder.

* Designate Tatro as the college's representative on the Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc.

* Consider a resolution to discontinue the contracts of two non-tenured college instructors, whose names have not been released. Tatro said the board has not yet taken action on the matter, but plan to vote on the contract non-renewals on Monday.

The board also plans to conduct other routine business and have scheduled two executive sessions to discuss personnel and the acquisition of property.