Emporia State University president warns of effects of deep budget cuts
By Russ Morgan (Contact)
Friday, February 13, 2009
Emporia State University president Michael Lane and leaders of the other state universities appeared before a Senate budget subcommittee Wednesday to discuss the potential effects of further budget cuts for the 2010 fiscal year.
Lane said the university can handle the 7 percent cuts already proposed, but further cuts will be harmful to the school’s ability to function.
“For next year we’ve got a plan for how to implement the 7 percent cut the governor requested we plan for,” Lane said.
Legislators currently face a $200 million budget deficit this year and are looking at a deficit of more than $1 billion for the 2010 fiscal year, which starts July 1.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius asked the schools to prepare for 3 percent in cuts for 2009 and an additional 4 percent for 2010, for a total of 7 percent in reductions.
But those cuts could go higher. Senate Ways and Means Committee chairman Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg, sent a memo to the Regents universities asking them to prepare a scenario for a 10 to 19 percent cut on top of the 3 percent.
“The 3 percent for this year we managed,” Lane said, and for the 7 percent the school will reduce operating expenses and leave a number of vacant positions unfilled.
To deal with the 7 percent cuts, ESU will leave 20 faculty and administration positions open. About 12 other positions will remain unfilled, and some student positions will be eliminated.
“And any increase (in cuts) over that will likely increase those numbers,” Lane said. “A cut of 10 percent would probably put us into a position of layoffs and furloughs.”
Lane said the school can deal with minor adjustments to the 7 percent proposed cuts, “but I think, uniformly, the Regents universities have informed the Legislature that if they get up to above 10 percent we’re looking at some serious long-term implications to our ability to provide quality education in Kansas.”
emporiateacher (anonymous) says...
Why, then, Mr. Lane, are there plans to reconstruct Memorial Union?
February 14, 2009 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
irishemporia (anonymous) says...
A very good question. Is there some pressing need for the project?
February 14, 2009 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I can understand where construction projects may have been already budgeted; they will certainly mean employment for university staff and others.
Tell me this, Dr. Lane, what would happen if every employee on campus, including professors, coaches, staff, and yes, even the president himself, took a 5% TEMPORARY pay cut just to weather this storm?
How about lowering the cost of tuition to attract more students?
February 14, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hornet08 (anonymous) says...
If a student chooses to take advantage of the flat rate tuition at ESU and takes 18 hours of classes tuition comes in at $111 an hour which is cheaper than some community colleges. I think that ESU already attracts many students because of the cost of an education here. I know that's why I came here. I think lowering tuition at this point would be insane.
I think there are many options that could be considered to decrease the operating costs at ESU primarily revising the renovation program for the union. I recently read an article in the Bulletin about increasing tuition for the union project at a time when class availibility will be decreased because of budget cuts. This is a ridiculous idea for me as a student.
Budget cuts are neccesary at this point but I think they need to be found in other places. The quality of education needs to be maintained at ESU.
Some of my ideas:
-Require members of the Greek community/student athletes on scholarship to do 'community service' on campus
-Call for students to submit ideas for ways to reduce operating costs on campus
-Find ways to create more(just in case there already are some that I am unaware of) internship opportunities on campus
-Work out something with the high school so the seniors can take courses for college credit on campus
February 14, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
create
You said
"Tell me this, Dr. Lane, what would happen if every employee on campus, including professors, coaches, staff, and yes, even the president himself, took a 5% TEMPORARY pay cut just to weather this storm?"
Be careful, comments like this will likely get removed.;)
I've often thought that it would be more fair and better in the long run for everyone to take a pay cut instead instead of a few taking a 100% pay cut. When things pick up again you wouldn't have to worry about hiring and retraining because the people are still there. I have thought a lot about this because.......... well I have to because I'm one of the people(not at the college) with their head on the chopping block just waiting. It's unfortunate that the big chiefs don't have to think about such things. They are more interested in keeping and even raising their own salaries because momma needs a new hot tub. Wait..................... what are we supposed to be talking about.
February 14, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnDoe (anonymous) says...
The memorial union renovation does come at a difficult time. I remember when I heard the idea to remodel a few years back at an alumni event, however, at the time the economy was in a lot better shape by comparison.
Although it might be hard to be confident about spending at a time like this, we need to make ESU competitive in the state. As one would expect, the student unions at KU and Kstate are equipped with bowling alleys, hair salons, coffee shops, and a wide variety food options. It's not really a fair comparison nor is it a direct competitor. The problem is, so do ESU's main competitors: Fort Hays, Washburn, Wichita State, and to a lesser extent Pitt-State. Take a look.
http://www.fhsu.edu/union/renovation/...
http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=rsc&p=/index
www.washburn.edu
http://www2.pittstate.edu/union/
http://www.union.ksu.edu/
Fort Hays has long been the low-cost competitor with ESU and has recently completed a very impressive union renovation. While ESU does have a lot to offer in academics and overall student life, we desperately need to catch up to the competition. A new union should boost enrollment and increase revenue.
Hornet08, you hit the nail on the head about the overall value of flat rate tuition. ESU is already at the front of the pack on value. On the other hand, I don't think making student athletes unpaid groundskeepers and maintenance staff is the answer. Unlike scholarship athletes, the greek community consists of students like everyone else. ESU doesn't grant scholarships based on membership in those groups. Even expanded to all students campus-wide it may not yield much relief.
5% temporary pay cut may be an effective "belt tightening" to keep everything and everyone above water
February 14, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I'm glad to see that a couple of people agree with the temporary pay cut. It keeps everyone working, therein lies the value.
Hornet, I didn't know the tuition was at a flat rate of only $111 for 18 hours. I agree with you, that it is indeed a good deal. However, I'd appreciate it if you didn't call me insane. I'm an ESU grad with a Master's in English, thank you.
BTW, one reason for not using Greeks or athletes to do community service on campus would be insurance liability.
February 14, 2009 at 7:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hornet08 (anonymous) says...
Create:
What I said: I think lowering tuition at this point would be insane.
What you read: To say lowering tuition is a good idea is insane.
You have no power, I assume, to lower tuition so my statement does not refer to you in any way. I would appreciate if you did not accuse me of calling you names.
February 14, 2009 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hornet08 (anonymous) says...
There are two things about my first post I would like to clarify. Tuition and fees are at a flat rate around $2000 for any student enrolled in at least 10 hours. My $111 an hour statement was for a student taking 18 hours so it would be more an hour for someone taking fewer hours. I'm not sure if that was clear enough the first time.
Secondly, I am under the impression that Greek life was required to participate in community service which may or may not be the case. The real point I was trying to make is that ESU administration needs to start asking students for ideas and ultimately what they are willing to pay more for or give up to be an ESU student.
Also, I agree that a remodeled union may bring in new students but at a time when classes are being cut out to save the budget it seems like a quality education should be more important. I think it would be practical to look at the renovation budget and see if there are corners that can be cut without changing the project too much. I don't know too much about the project and there may be contracts or agreements that cannot be changed at this point and if that is the case then so be it.
February 14, 2009 at 8:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
In these times when EVERYONE has had to cut their budgets, it is only fair that the education budget is included in state cuts. Dr. Lane appeared before the budget subcommittee to plead the case for ESU. That is his job. One that he is well paid for. HIS wages & benefits should be the first cut. What is the total package he recieves? House with staff, cars, wages. For GODS sake, he is the president of a small university, not THE UNITED STATES.
Steve
February 15, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
I wonder how may private sector employees are willing to take a 5% pay cut including their CEOs? Just curious. Why single out one organization. Why not everybody and everything? Then everybody will spend less and there will be more downsizing and more cuts and pretty soon, we can all be living in a cave. One solution to this situation is for reasonable tax increases. Are you all paying the same for merchandise you bought five years ago? Probably not. How long can government continue to exist on the same budget it had in previous years. There is only so much cutting that can take place before something gives. Seems like I already am hearing such here when I hear people complaining about trees not being trimmed, sidewalks broken up, poor streets, not having resources to remove graffiti, poor response times, and the list goes on and on. We can bail out automakers but we can keep state and local government on par?
Gimme a break!
February 15, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
The president's house is a perk, nothing more; the Hopkins donated it to the University. His salary is commensurate with the other D2 schools in Kansas. Fail to see why you’re singling him out.
February 15, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I am ready, willing, and able to take a 5% pay cut as opposed to a 100% pay cut. 95% sounds pretty good compared to 0. I seriously doubt, if there were reasonable pay cuts across the board that it would hurt any company or the economy at all. But if you think it's that important for momma to get that new hot tub I guess to the hot place with me and my kids, we can just starve with my 100% pay cut. Thanks.
February 15, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
People keep referring to luxury items: Sorry folks but the public employees I know are getting buy like everybody else, most of them if married are both working. Most city employees received the first pay increase they had in six years in 2008. Most public employees have, just like their private sector counterparts, have seen health care benefits reduced, and other compensation reduced. I'm not aware of any public employees who get a house to live in. Other than college presidents. I'm aware of the fact that Dr. Lane's salary is actually comparable to some district school superintendents'. Those who have worked for education, skills and experience will seek out proper compensation. You get what you pay for folks. If you want only those who work here because they can't work anyplace else then go ahead and be altruistic and eliminate or cut back salaries. While we are at it, let's cut social security benefits and all retirement benefits while we're at it. That way maybe others will maybe have it by the time they retire too.
Costs go up. Other revenue sources need to be found. That means more taxes, user fees, or in the case of the university, increases in tuition. The economy is tanked, there will be no growth in revenue from existing sources of revenue. Not trying to be critical but I figured somebody has to play devil's advocate.
February 15, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Last figure I heard was that tuition made up approx 25% of the revenue for the university, the rest is picked up by the state, its why they are called state universities folks. If tuition alone covered their costs only the priviledged few could afford to attend any college, think 10k per semester private school costs.
February 15, 2009 at 5:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy; Please go back and read my post. I said Dr. Lanes compensation should be the FIRST thing cut.
I see the city worker or the ESU worker making maybe thirty K a year and people think they can live on less while those making a 200k a year go to the state and ask for more tax dollars.
Some on here sound like the spin doctors on tv telling us dumb ole taxpayers we need to keep bailing out businesses and banks, (so they can give bonuses to retain those talented people who bankrupted the business.) If you are going to ask the little guys to tighten his belt and do without, there is nothing wrong in expecting the fat cat to do it also.
February 15, 2009 at 7:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
and I would check your facts about the current Presidents house being donated by the Hopkins Family, I think you are wrong.
February 15, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Does ANYONE think that a person living in Emporia, Kansas , with it's cost of living index can make it on $7.25 an hour? Yep, if they tighten their belts. I just think someone in Emporia could also live on less than $204,000.00 a year while having their car(s) and house furnished to boot. Wouldn't it be great to see our state regents presidents volunteer to take a pay cut, at least in the amount of their pay raise last September, before they lay-off some poor custodian, with 3 kids.
February 15, 2009 at 7:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
This kind of stuff sounds just like Lenin way to go comrade.
February 15, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
In what way does it sound like communism? If the upper level folks take a small pay cut along with the lower level folks so they could keep their jobs sounds more like trickle down economics to me. The reason trickle down economics(which I believe in by the way) doesn't work is because the upper level folks are too greedy and let as little as possible trickle down. If someone was calling for the government to force companies to take across the board pay cuts, that would sound like communism but I haven't read that here.
February 15, 2009 at 8:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
just the facts,
So you are ok, with the bail-outs and the massive deficite spending going on right now? Your idea is to raise taxes? If you have a retirement fund or 401k that has lost 1/3 or more of it's value in the last year, do you think you should pay more money in fees to the person who managed the fund for you to keep them on? I think the taxpayer has been gouged quite enough already for sloppy service and no accountability. I am not refering to Dr. Lane exclusively here. We were talking about the budget crises in the state of Kansas. I was just agreeing with the idea of everyone tightening their budgets, not just a few other state agencies.
Education is 52% of the states budget afterall.
What taxes would you raise, or items would you cut?
come on back devil's advocate.
February 15, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
"Education is 52% of the states budget afterall."
2/3rds of all tax money currently goes to education Steve. ESU's budget to run that four square block area is higher than Emporia's and LYCO's combined.
February 16, 2009 at 1:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Steve,
The Dean's house was in fact donated, and is in fact a perk of the job. Start crying about the Plant Manager of Hopkins, or Menu or any other company here in town. With all your great wisdom and know how why did you not apply for the job? You cut the salary guess what you get? Some POS not worth their salt, is that what you want in charge of one of the most integral employers and draws in Emporia? Sounds like poor business sense to me.
Others
Spending money on the state universities here in turn generates so much more. If ESU went under this town would be about the size of Burlington, maybe smaller, and a hell of lot less well off due to the fact we do not have a nuke plant subsidizing our tax dollars.
February 16, 2009 at 1:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
"If you have a retirement fund or 401k that has lost 1/3 or more of it's value in the last year, do you think you should pay more money in fees to the person who managed the fund for you to keep them on?'
You clearly don't understand investments, or how they work, or this is an extremely poor example, take your pick. And be careful how you reply, your delving into a world where there is nothing but equations and numbers, hence this is a black and white world and your take on it means absolutely nothing, numbers are neither political or biased.
February 16, 2009 at 1:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
hornet08 says, "The real point I was trying to make is that ESU administration needs to start asking students for ideas and ultimately what they are willing to pay more for or give up to be an ESU student."
justthefacts says, "One solution to this situation is for reasonable tax increases" and mentions folks complaining about cleaner streets, graffiti removal, broken sidewalks, etc.
Together, they both offer what may be a pretty good solution for the entire city, not just ESU. Reasonable tax increases + asking everyone what they are willing to do or pay for to be a community member. Trouble is, when folks lose jobs, from where do reasonable tax increases come? At least taking a pay cut across the board assures that the salary is still there. What about the fact that the value of assets are decreasing? Will property taxes decrease too?
What are community members willing to pay more for or give up? How many in the community are willing to do their fair share of community service to pick up the slack by removing graffiti, clean up dirty streets, etc.? Or will it be like my neighborhood where the folks to the north who don't even rake their leaves let them all blow into the streets where they eventually blow down to my house to plug the street drain and flood my property unless I get out there and pick it all up. It's the same as it was the last time we had a community service day. The same handful of people get out to help. Those few good people work all day long to clean up and the city stays nice for a week or so.
Will it be the same at ESU?
February 16, 2009 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"You cut the salary guess what you get? Some POS not worth their salt"
If someone is not willing to sacrifice a little so some don't have to sacrifice all, they are already a POS. Good leadership cares about their subordinates.
"Start crying about the Plant Manager of Hopkins"
Funny that you mention it, that is exactly what I was talking about. It seems to me that people who are laid off are a part of the big picture problem right now. They are being paid unemployment(if it hasn't already run out) by a government that has no money. So why would it not be reasonable to sacrifice a little to keep peoples jobs? 5% isn't that much.
I never looked at this solution as a good idea just for the college, but a good idea in general. It's sad that people aren't willing to listen to new ideas. Isn't that how Obama got elected? He said he had new ideas that would change things. I guess it's where the ideas come from that matters and not there content.
February 16, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
I think seriously has the right idea. Lane is not worth his salt if he thinks ESU can escape what all of us are going through. Raising taxes is no different than asking everyone to take a pay cut. If you are paid by the public sector, when the public sector suffers so will you. More than once in my life when I have complained about low farm prices, I have heard, "'no one makes you farm". No one makes anyone work for ESU, the state, the county,etc. If I was making $200000 per year,and someone said, "times are hard, you are only going to make $190000 next year" I would be glad to have a job. My wife works in a certified position for a school district, when they got their negotiations letter asking what they wanted, I told her she better be happy to have a job, and if she didn't get a raise for the next 3 years not to be surprised.
The taxpayers are not a bottomless pit of money to draw on. Lane and all other government employees had better figure that out now.
February 16, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
Oh, and one other thing. There seems to be ample proof in our society today that high rates of compensation to leadership does not equal top performance. Look at the number of companies that have compensated CEOs in the millions, with additional millions of bonuses, only to be run into the ground by said "top talent". I think it a stretch to say that cutting a salary for someone living in Emporia KS from $200000 to say $180000 will result in only "POS" applying for the job. I wager that the head sled at Harvard makes much more than Lane, if that guy is clearing say $500000, does that make Lane a "POS"??
February 16, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
You're absolutely right, seriously, the name of the game is sacrifice. Look at all the sacrificing we as a nation did during WW II. We should be able to harness ourselves to the collective yoke and do something similar again, this time with a 5% pay cut, and that includes retirees too.
You're right in what you told your wife too, alfalfa. I'm retired from teaching now, but not long ago, I said the same thing to my teaching friends. Don't bother asking for anything when the form comes around; just be glad you have a job and be ready for the salary schedule to be frozen for a couple or three years. I don't have a problem with that, not in light of what is going on now anyway. We all have to be willing to sacrifice.
February 16, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )