College board reorganizes, approves faculty contract

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Meeting in North Platte Wednesday, the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors elected new officers, with Cynthia Duncan as board chair, Kim Korgan as vice chair, Kirk Crawley as secretary/treasurer, and Matthew Broz as assistant secretary/treasurer. Ernie Mehl and Kent Miller were appointed as the board’s Nebraska Community College Association representatives.

Dylan LaVante provided updates on student activities in North Platte. The Board also welcomed Tammy Higgins, the new Business and Community Education administrative assistant. Ted Klug Jr. expressed gratitude to Ben Lashley for his service as Board chair.

The board approved bills for December totaling $2,728,290.19. Additionally, there were changes to the 2024 Board meetings schedule, approval of a bid for windows and doors for the McDonald-Belton Building from Larry’s Glass of North Platte in the amount of $133,551 and approval of a five-year contract for Jenzabar Financial Aid software.

The Board approved the Mid-Plains Faculty Association negotiated agreement as presented, which includes a 4.25% total compensation increase for the 2024-25 contract year.

The board received a quarterly financial report from Vice President of Administrative Services Mike Steele. Cabinet reports were presented by MPCC President Ryan Purdy, along with reports from other key personnel.

Closed Session:

The Board entered a closed session at 7:10 p.m. to discuss real estate matters.

The session concluded at 7:44 p.m., with no actions taken.

The next meeting is set for Feb. 21 in North Platte.