Boatbuilding program could remain in Eastport if funds raised

The Washington County Community College's boatbuilding program in Eastport might not move to Calais if funding can be raised soon to help cover the cost of keeping the program in Eastport. At a June 22 meeting of the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield, the board's Educational Policy Committee reported that it agreed with an effort to have the program remain in Eastport next year if local supporters can raise funds to cover the overhead costs at the Marine Technology Center. The proposal to move the program has caused significant concern among Eastport officials and residents.

The program move must commence by July 15 in order to be ready for students returning in August, but Washington County Community College President William Cassidy has decided to leave open the possibility of not moving the program to Calais. "It is a very short timeframe, but we agree with his decision to leave that option open, if the funds can be raised," stated committee Chairman Cynthia Phinney. However, she also pointed out, "By saving $123,000 in overhead costs, the college averts deeper and more widespread reductions in programs and staff."

The college will continue to maintain the Marine Technology Center and pier in Eastport and provide some limited curriculum for the boatbuilding and adventure recreation programs while officials work with stakeholders to explore additional uses. "We have asked that President Cassidy provide the committee with periodic updates on the status of those efforts," said Phinney. "We all share the hope and belief that a more viable future can be found for the center C one that is beneficial educationally and economically to the Downeast region."

The Educational Policy Committee also reported back to the full board on its review of budget-related program suspensions. While board review is not required for program suspensions, trustees decided to have the committee review the impact, given the higher-than-usual number of suspensions taking place this year as a result of budget shortfalls. The committee held a special meeting on June 7 to review the rationale behind 11 program suspensions C two at KVCC, nine at Washington County Community College C and to allow for public input.

Phinney reported that after reviewing the presidents' budget rationale and the options available, the committee unanimously backed the presidents' decisions. "It was obvious to the committee that the presidents looked at a wide range of options and chose those that would be least harmful to students and their respective colleges," said Phinney. "In light of our review, we see no reason to intervene with the presidents' decisions," she said.

New trustees and budget cuts
In other business at the meeting, four new trustees and two returning members were sworn in. The new trustees are: Doris Belisle-Bonneau, an educator from Lewiston; Shepard Lee, chairman of Lee Auto Malls and a resident of Westbrook; Merle R. Nelson, a former legislator, businesswoman and educator from Falmouth; and Andrea Watkins (student representative) from Windsor, a recent graduate of KVCC. The returning members are: Cynthia Phinney, an organizer with Local 1837 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and a resident of New Sharon; and Brian Thayer, president and CEO of Lavalley Lumber Company in Sanford, and a resident of Cumberland.

The board also endorsed the recommendation of the Nominating Committee to reelect Joanna Jones of Waldoboro to serve as chair of the board for another one-year term. Jones is director of human resources for the Educational Development Corporation. The board also endorsed Dennis P. King to serve as vice chair. King is chief executive officer of Spring Harbor Hospital; he resides in Freeport.

MCCS President John Fitzsimmons briefed trustees on the revised state budget recently passed by the legislature. The budget contains additional budget cuts across state government, including a $326,000 reduction each year of the biennium for the community college system. The cut reduces by 30% the new funds appropriated in March for the MCCS. The final budget for the system reflects a 1.8% increase, or $744,000 in new funds for fiscal year 2006. The budget will increase 2.6%, or $1.1 million in FY 2007. In all, the system is receiving $42.2 million in state funds in FY 2006 and $43.3 million in FY 2007.