The South Plains College Board of Regents met in regular meeting Thursday which included several updates.
Dr. Ryan Gibbs, Vice President for Academic Affairs has continued to work with his staff and Texas Tech Universityto increase the overall success of the Texan to Red Raider program.
Gibbs also informed the board that SPC is currently feeding Texas Tech more students than any other college in the state.
Additionally, Gibbs suggested a dual or joint enrollment program with Texas Tech. The program would bring some Texas Tech courses to SPC and would aid in closing the educational gaps between both institutions. It was explained to the board that the program is not ready to begin but a plan is being put together.
Questions regarding tuition fees and how that process would be managed was asked by Board Member Chris Edens. Gibbs explained they have not addressed those steps yet. Dr Robin Satterwhite commented on the program adding it translate to some funding coming from Texas Tech as the transfer system would provide even more students to the university.
Board Member Richard Ellis offered the group his thoughts which the program would make the transition from campus to campus easier and make the educational path simpler for students.
Dr. Stan DeMerritt, Vice Present for Student Affairs reported that enrollment data is trending in their anticipated direction. The college has seen increased numbers in dual credit students and off campus students while enrollment is still seeing increased numbers overall. DeMerritt also reported an 86% occupancy rate in student housing with that number trending a little higher than normal.
The board was informed that the cost of meals is trending up which may result in more cost being passed on to consumers. The current price for meals totals $1,200 per student causing a shortfall of about $252.90 per student per semester.
It was suggested the meal plan price being increased to $1,300 per semester. DeMerritt explained to the board that the price increase would still be much cheaper than any other school in the region. After a brief discussion, the board did agree to move the cost to $1,300 per year with a unanimous vote.
DeMerritt also presented the Equal Opportunity, Harassment and No Discrimination Policy or Title Nine. Administrative Council has already signed off on the plan and the board was asked to review the content and return with any questions for the next meeting.
DeMerritt concluded his report noting that 684 students came to the Senior Sneak Preview and that is up 200 from the prior year. They also saw increased numbers in parents, school officials and other non-student entities.
Teresa Green, Vice President for Business Affairs issued a call and order for the coming election for the South Plains College Board of Regents positions five, six and seven. The election is set in tandem with the local general election set for May 4th. Those three positions are currently occupied by Chris Edens, Joe Tubb and Richard Ellis. All are for election of six-year terms.
Satterwhite reported that the outdoor fitness court is nearly complete as the shade structure is up. The final steps include a final coat of paint and signage. A ribbon cutting will be held following the completion of the court.
An additional topic addressed by Satterwhite was Fraizer Hall which is in need of repair work. This could include new doors, windows, new flooring, bathroom renovations and more.
SPC hopes to avoid crossing the ADA threshold of $50,000 per project. Staff are currently looking at a variance through the state to avoid that. They are currently working on plans to do renovation bids and sorting out how to improve the building while staying state compliant.
Satterwhite also reported that the Women’s Complex Flooring bids are in and with bids for both asbestos abatement and new flooring for a total of $362,860. The original amount budgeted for the project was$400,000. The board accepted the bid from King Consultants for abatement and Brock’s Carpet for the flooring. The project will start at the conclusion of the 2024 Spring Semester.
The board will begin discussions dealing with renewing their insurance for the coming year. The board was presented with two choices. Renewal with the current provider with the possibility of an increase by up to 20%. If the board goes out for a bid it could change the cost up by over 50%.
While neither renewal for price increases is guaranteed both do carry risk. The current insurance consults believe renewal would be best practice and does not see that as problem as the college is considered a “good risk.”
Board President Mike Box suggested that going out for bids could also greatly impacted by the number of insurance firms able to write this kind of a policy. It was suggested that administration get a hard number on what the renewal will cost before the board moves forward.
Moving forward, Satterwhite asked the board for approval to auction naming rights for the street in front of the administration building. Those rights will be auctioned off at the scholarship banquet.
The board also voted to move the next meeting to March 21. The reason for the move is to accommodate Spring Break. The meeting will still be held at 12:30pm.
Board Member Ty Gregory was absent from the meeting and was the topic of open comment which kicked off the meeting. Multiple citizens provided open comment encouraging the board to reconsider the change in time the board meetings would be held.
In the prior meeting held in January, Gregory was absent from the meeting but asked the board to consider changing the normal meeting time of 12:30 p.m. to accommodate Gregory as he had come into another job opportunity in Lubbock that would not allow him to attend the meetings at the normal time.
After discussion, it was settled by the board to keep the meeting time the same.