Allen Community College trustees heard a mixture of good and bad news at their monthly meeting Thursday.
The topics ranged from enrollment to workmen’s compensation coverage.
First the good.
Enrollment remained robust at the college through the spring semester, Vice President of Student Affairs Randy Weber said, while construction is on schedule for a new sixplex dormitory.
Enrollment in the spring semester was up nearly 15 percent from a comparable point last year, Weber said. Summer enrollment is expected to decline — early figures point to a 6 percent drop — because students no longer are eligible for year-round Pell grants.
Steve Troxel, vice president for finance and operations, said rainy weather failed to hamper progress on the three-story sixplex on White Boulevard, a short distance from the college’s Iola campus. The roof is nearly complete, Troxel said, so work can proceed on schedule regardless of weather.
The only potential delay would be with material availability, Troxel said.
College officials hope the sixplex will be finished in time for fall classes in August. The complex will house 24 students.
Trustees also will give some thought to what the new facility will be named.
“Tall Hall,” Trustee Larry Manes suggested, drawing a chorus of laughter.
“At three stories, it does stick out,” Troxel agreed.
Trustees approved the purchase of a video security system for the new complex from Sandifer Engineering, Goddard, for $13,175, the lower of two bids.
In a related matter, trustees purchased a fire alarm system for the existing ACC duplexes from Performance Electric of Ottawa for $15,060, the only bid received. A recent inspection by the state fire marshal’s office spotlighted several issues with the existing system, including missing alarms and others with batteries pulled, Troxel said.
AS FOR bad news, the college learned this month that Employers Mutual Company will not offer workmen’s compensation coverage for college employees because of the large number of claims last year. The claims pushed ACC’s three-year average number to a level EMC wasn’t willing to deal with, Troxel said.
The college has sent out feelers to other providers, with no success, Troxel said.
The worst-case scenario would have the college receiving workmen’s compensation coverage through a state pool, Troxel said, although that would mean up to $25,000 more in premiums this year.
Troxel said the college has been told by EMC that the provider will again cover workmen’s compensation when ACC’s three-year average is low enough.
