Richland Community College is laying off 18 employees.
President Dr. Cristobal Vadez tells WAND News the layoffs stem from a decrease in enrollment and the ongoing lack of a state budget.
“Since 2005, the state’s share has dwindled to five percent in the current year. This lack of state support is changing the financial landscape for the college,” said Vadez.
Over the past two year, Richland has had a $2.6 million decrease in revenue. That is a 13 percent decrease in state funds.
Of those laid off, eight are full time and ten are part time. Valdez says of those part time workers many were on-call substitutes.14 employees accepted the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program.
The cuts will result in a 9.2 percent decrease of the budget. The college also began looking for ways to increase revenue and growth opportunities; explore cost saving solutions; determine reallocation strategies; and focus on balancing the budget while positioning the college for the future.
No faculty was cut during Friday’s layoffs.