FSCC hopes to get grant for new degree program

If all goes well, Fort Scott Community College will file an application today or Wednesday for a $13 million, three-year Trade Adjustment Assistance grant to finance an associate of applied science degree and certificate in industrial management and advanced manufacturing.

FSCC President Clayton Tatro told the Board of Trustees at their meeting Monday the grant application deadline is May 24. The program would be offered in conjunction with Pittsburg State University and Crowder College in Neosho, Mo.

"If we get the grant, we're moving fast," Tatro said. If not, the college will still go forward, but at a slower pace. The college hopes to get word on the grant by July.

It would start in October. At this point, Tatro said, existing buildings would be used.

On a separate matter, trustees also got a glimpse of strategic budgeting priorities provided by the different departments for 2012-2013.

In addition to compensation, some of the items include $20,000 for an exhaust system for the Harley-Davidson building in Frontenac; $10,000 for default management -- a contract and service to keep students from defaulting; $125,000 for Zogotech software that would allow the college to extrapolate data for reports, among other things; renovations to Bailey Hall; smart classrooms; athletic scholarship assistance; and National Association for Developmental Education certification to get certified developmental education instructors.

On personnel matters, the board approved the addition of Antwan Seymore as assistant men's basketball coach effective June 1; Wendy Wilmoth, director of library services, effective June 18; and Jeff Daly as a certified truck driving instructor, effective May 7.

Separations approved as part of the consent agenda included: Keenan Curry, assitant men's basketball coach, effective April 5; Sean Cherico, assistant football coach, effective April 27; Lance Corbin, assistant football coach, effective April 27.

Also, John Williams, Kansas City trucking instructor, effective May 4; Ron Clark, IT technician, effective May 11; Malinda Berglund, head softball coach, effective May 14; Randi Ryan, financial aid assistant, effective May 17; Patrick Deao, assistant baseball coach, effective May 18; and Diana Hagerty, cosmetology instructor, effective June 30.