Good afternoon LCC Community,
Yesterday, the Board of Education took two important actions that provide clarity and direction as we continue our work toward long-term fiscal sustainability at Lane Community College. I want to share a brief update and, just as importantly, outline how your continued input will help shape the work ahead.
Board Approval of the Three-Year Mitigation Plan
The board approved the administration’s three-year mitigation plan, which establishes a phased and deliberate approach to addressing the college’s structural budget challenges. This plan is designed to spread adjustments over time, support thoughtful decision-making, and reduce disruption while keeping students and our mission at the center of every choice.
During the discussion, Trustee Mulholland described the plan as “very balanced.” The board also expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to implement the plan responsibly and emphasized the importance of continued communication and engagement as this work moves forward.
Approval of FY27 Budget Parameters
In a second action, the board approved the administration’s recommended budget parameters to guide development of the FY27 budget, along with the direction to establish an advisory committee to elevate student voice in tuition setting. These parameters establish the assumptions and guardrails that will shape budget planning for the coming year, including alignment with the three-year mitigation plan, board priorities, and our long-term financial goals.
Together, these actions mark an important transition. Much of our recent discussion has focused on determining a shared understanding of the fiscal facts facing the college. With these approvals in place, we are now moving more intentionally into the next phase: inviting meaningful input to help shape how we respond through the FY27 budget and beyond.
What Comes Next and How to Engage
Engagement remains essential to this work. College leadership will continue to work with college governance groups and campus partners as FY27 budget development progresses, and additional opportunities for feedback will be shared as specific recommendations are developed. Please stay tuned.
I encourage you to tune into the Budget Development Subcommittee meeting on January 14 at noon. This meeting offers an opportunity to hear more about the framework guiding the FY27 budget development.
I also encourage you to participate in the current round of community feedback through our ThoughtExchange activity. This is an important opportunity to share your ideas, priorities, and perspectives as we work together to craft a sustainable path forward. Input received through these forums will influence recommendations brought to the board in March for guidance on what should be addressed in the upcoming budget.
Thank you for your continued engagement, and commitment to Lane Community College and the students we serve. Your voices matter, and they will continue to inform the decisions ahead.
With appreciation,
Stephanie