Piedmont Virginia Community College officials are excited that the governor’s plan for higher education funding could mean more money for their school.
Gov. Bob McDonnell’s plan includes millions in funding for higher education statewide, including some money aimed at encouraging higher graduation rates.
“What it sounds like is a bounty,” said college board member Paul D. Newland Jr.
PVCC President Frank Friedman said there aren’t any restrictions on how the money would be spent. Friedman said he could provide only the very roughest estimate of how much the school will get, but suggested it might be in the range of $500,00 to $600,000 extra.
A chunk of that money will have to be directed to paying into the state’s retirement system, officials said. Friedman said the top priority for the rest will be expanding the school’s faculty and staff to keep pace with its ever-growing enrollment.
“It’s nice to have some good news — hopefully, I should say,” said PVCC board member Donna J. Plasket.
Uncertainties remain as well, board members heard. It’s not clear if it will be possible to use any of the extra money to give raises.
And there’s a 3 percent bonus expected in December for state employees. Officials had hoped for a raise instead, and it’s contingent on state agencies not spending their entire budgets.
Friedman quoted a memo from the office of the state community college system’s chancellor.
“‘Technical issues need to be addressed.’ Isn’t that a nice way of putting it,” he said.
The state legislature still must address the governor’s proposal.
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