College board approves raises, new welding, music positions

NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska -- The Mid Plains Community College board of governors approved funding for a full-time welding and machine shop instructor at the Center for Applied Science and Technology in McCook, as well as a full-time music instructor in North Platte.

The funding will be included in the 2010-11 budget, the board decided at a regular meeting Wednesday in North Platte.

Following a closed session, the governors approved, on a 9-1 vote with Roger Wilson of McCook voting no, new pay rates for non-negotiated and adjunct faculty salaries.

Members of the full-time administration will receive a 2.5 percent increase in salary plus an increase in health insurance for a 3.5 percent total package. Part-time administrators will receive a 2.5 percent increase in salary, part-time classified staff will receive 44 cents more per hour and adjunct faculty will receive an additional $25 per credit hour.

The board accepted the president's recommendation and approved a low bid of $55,000 from Garcia's Construction in McCook for ADA sidewalk work at MCC.

Also authorized was using $21,365 in capital improvement contingency funds to purchase and install a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit for McMillen Hall from Parde Electric in McCook.

The board also heard from Callan Connelly, a MPCC auto body student and rodeo participant, who urged the college to form a rodeo club. Mid Plains President Dr. Michael Chipps noted the availability of the Kiplinger Arena for rodeo events made the possibility more likely.