Lake Land Board Lays Off Two, Eliminates Two Jobs

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has approved the reduction in force of two jobs and the elimination of two other positions.

The Board this week laid off the assistant director of physical plant operations and a custodian. The positions eliminated due to budgetary reasons were a Web Learning Specialist and a Special Projects Technician.

Expressing regret for having to take the actions, trustees said the moves should have "minimal impact on students". 

The Board also accepted an agreement for voluntary resignation of Ray Rieck as vice president for business services, effective August 31, due to retirement. In the meantime, Rieck is on paid leave. Under the agreement, Rieck will be available for phone conversations with College Presdent Josh Bullock on projects in which Rieck has been involved. Rieck has agreed to forego his retirement bonus that would have been effective at the time of his retirement.

Rieck also resigned as college treasurer, and Bullock was named to replace him in that position.

Trustees this week also approved the issuance of up to $5.1 million in general obligation community college bonds. Revenue from the sale of the bonds will pay for the renovation of the Vo-Tech building on campus. The building, which houses automotive maintenance classes, will be provided better ventilation and be pulled into the geothermal loop on campus.

Trustees heard the college's 10th day enrollment report that indicates fewer students than one year ago. The headcount enrollment is down 3.4% from last year, while the full-time equivalency enrollment is down 5% from one year earlier.