Good morning LCC Community,
Thank you to everyone who participated in the most recent ThoughtExchange. Your engagement and candor continue to shape the College’s thinking as we plan for FY2027 and the years ahead. The feedback shared through this process, alongside ongoing governance conversations, is helping us better understand college priorities and ensure that our budget planning reflects our shared values and commitments to students, employees, and the broader community.
I also want to acknowledge the upcoming Board of Education meeting on February 4, where our Finance team will present an update on the College’s current-year financial position. This presentation will outline a larger-than-anticipated deficit within the current fiscal year and will provide the Board with options for addressing this gap. The shortfall is primarily the result of fewer vacancies than were assumed in the adopted budget, along with unexpected capital expenses, including damage to and repairs needed at the Center Building this past fall.
In parallel, my team continues to closely monitor expenditures across the College. This includes careful review of travel, purchases, and other variable expenses to achieve the greatest possible in-year savings. We are also holding on posting positions for the coming year that are not budgeted vacancies.
As we move forward, the college community remains central to this work. You are encouraged to continue sharing feedback through governance channels and through your representatives on the Budget Development Subcommittee of the College Council. As potential reduction points are identified through the budget development process, we will create additional opportunities for broad campus input to ensure transparency and meaningful engagement.
Thank you for your continued involvement, thoughtfulness, and commitment to Lane Community College as we navigate these challenges together.
In appreciation,
Stephanie