FSCC-PSU partnership a no-go

In a surprise move Monday night, the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees voted unanimously (6-0) to discontinue the Pittsburg State University and Fort Scott Community College potential partnership discussions.

"I think the board made it clear that they're not ready to move forward," FSCC President Dr. Clayton Tatro said. "I think there is enough community concern and anxiety that, that's understandable."

During the meeting, trustees John Bartelsmeyer, John Kerr, Mark McCoy, and Jim Sather, all spoke out in opposition of the potential "enhanced" affiliation with PSU. Bartelsmeyer made a motion to "table" PSU affiliation discussions. When it was determined by the board that this sounded like a temporary move, the language of the motion was altered to "discontinue Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Community College potential partnership and its discussions."

Kerr cited "a lack of clarity" in his decision to second Bartelsmeyer's motion. He said he doesn't have all of the details about the partnership.

Bartelsmeyer later told The Tribune he has had about 50 people asking for more information about the proposed partnership. During the meeting, Bartelsmeyer said he did not have the answers to those questions, which heavily factored into his motion to end talks with PSU.

"I don't think we'll have any further discussion in terms of structural changes, or in terms of governance or affiliation changes that would impact the overall structure of the institution" Tatro told The Tribune. "I think it's always appropriate and necessary for us to continue to look for ways that we can be more efficient and be more effective in terms of the operation, the college, and try to best serve students and best serve the community."

The board also unanimously approved a new insurance carrier for the school's property and casualty insurance coverage. Previously, FSCC was using Gross Insurance Agency for this type of coverage. The recommendation of the board was to accept IMA's proposal, which would save FSCC more than $75,000 in total costs when compared to Gross Insurance. According to information made available to board members, IMA is an independent insurance agency founded in Wichita, Kan.

See more details in a future edition of The Tribune.