Among the decisions made at the June 9 Board of Trustees meeting were the approval of the 2004-05 operating budget; two recommendations for changes to the Handbook for Professional Personnel; and the election of officers. In addition, the board decided to postpone a vote on whether to keep the college's mandatory student health insurance policy.

According to Interim Vice President of Administration and Finance Natalie Lutes, the budget contains several significant changes, among them a 1.1 percent tuition increase, an average 3 percent salary increase for eligible employees, and $250,000 in new initiatives for information technology and teacher education.

Lutes added that the college is also using funds through budget reallocations that include the elimination of $400,000 in market reserves, $300,000 in savings from the abolishment of administrative positions and a $100,000 reduction in athletic scholarships as previously agreed to by Intercollegiate Athletics.

The approved recommendations to the Handbook for Professional Personnel involve counting teaching experience from other higher education institutions toward promotions to the associate and full professor levels. The Board also okayed a statement on shared governance. A third proposed change involving the "Reductions in Force" section of the Handbook has not yet been sent to the Board. Interim President Ray Kieft intends to meet with the Handbook Committee to discuss modifications to the language before forwarding a recommendation.

In other business, Bruce Benson has been re-elected chair and Ann Rice re-elected vice chair. In accordance with the Trustees Policy Manual, the positions of secretary and treasurer are to be filled by non-Board members. Kieft has been elected secretary and Lutes has been chosen treasurer.

Following a detailed presentation on the college's mandatory student health insurance policy, the trustees decided to allow more time for additional information to be distributed to board members. The Board is considering whether Metro State should go to a voluntary policy and drop the mandatory policy for students taking 10 credit hours or more, unless they can prove they are insured.

Student Health Center Director Steve Monaco and Controller George Middlemist had given a lengthy presentation about the reasons, costs and the complex ramifications of mandatory versus voluntary insurance. Trustee Alex Cranberg expressed a need for more time and information before making his decision. He suggested that there may be other options that don't involve a strictly mandatory or voluntary policy. He said that his concern is that there are students who choose to not attend Metro because of the mandatory health insurance (the insurance will cost almost $1,200 in the 2004-05 academic year).

The board decided to review any new information provided at its August meeting.

After the public meeting adjourned, the Board went into Executive Session with John Buechner to discuss the presidential search.

The next meeting is set for August 4, 2004. To read the minutes from the June 9 meeting go to
http://www.mscd.edu/welcomectr/trustees/boardmeetings.htm