AMARILLO, TEXAS -- For the past few months, community colleges have been trying to figure our what to do after Gov. Rick Perry ordered all state agencies to cut 5% out of their budgets for the next two years.
Tuesday evening, Amarillo College leaders think they found the best solution possible for the next school year. After hours of discussion, the AC Board of Regents has decided to reduce its payroll by cutting 16 full-time equivalent positions.
That doesn't mean that 16 people will lose their jobs, but certain positions are being eliminated. Six positions will not be replaced after faculty members retired from those jobs. Temporary employees will not be re-appointed. Several other positions have also been restructured.
College President Paul Matney says this couldn't have come at a worse time. Amarillo College is seeing record enrollments for summer school, and its expecting 1,000 more students this fall compared to last.
"What it means is that whenever we educate students instructional cost go up, again therein lies the challenge of have state appropriations reduced in next year's budget. But boy when times are challenging and financial times are tough we have to tighten our belt."
These cuts will cost Amarillo College around $850,000 in this year's budget.
