Nelson Disappointed in Trustees’ Decision to Raise Tuition Rates

Olathe, KS - James Nelson, a Republican from Olathe, candidate for Trustee at Johnson County Community College, expressed deep concern over a vote to raise tuition rates by the current Board of Trustees at their recent meeting.  Nelson said the decision to raise costs on students and families in one of the worst economic climates in history demonstrates the lack of creativity and resolve by the board to live within the amount Johnson County taxpayers and state lawmakers provide.

 “Since 2008, when the economy began its downturn, the JCCC Board of Trustees has voted multiple times to increase tuition.  This shows a deep lack of concern for the quality of life in the community they serve,” Nelson said.

The cost of tuition at Johnson County Community College has risen from $65 per credit hour in 2008 to $81 per hour in 2011, an increase of 25% in just five years.

Current trustee, Stephanie Sharp, defended the vote by the trustees, two of whom– Jon Stewart and Don Weiss - are up for re-election, saying that when she asked those who receive her personal newsletter about the proposed increase they felt it was still a good bargain.

“Sure it’s a relative bargain when you compare it to the cost of attending a university, but with the unemployment rate around 10% and climbing this opinion fails to take into account the vast number of students who rely on the college to retrain for new employment,” Nelson responded.  “At a time when they are hurting the most, JCCC Trustees are telling these students that even though they are living off their savings or unemployment and struggling to feed their families, JCCC still needs more of their money.  It’s insensitive to say the least.”

Instead of looking to the taxpayers and students for additional revenue, Nelson believes Trustees and the college administration should be looking for waste within the budget and searching for creative ways to find additional revenue streams.

“With a budget of nearly one-hundred and fifty million dollars a year, there is bound to be a significant amount of waste,” Nelson said.  “On top of cutting costs by eliminating that waste, trustees should be exploring ideas like selling the naming rights to the Carlsen Center, which could raise millions of dollars while removing a constant reminder of one of the worst scandals in the college’s history.”

The Carlsen Center is one of the most prominent buildings on campus.  It’s used to hold concerts, special events, guest lecture series, and more.  It also bears the name of former JCCC President Charles Carlsen who resigned in 2006 after sexual harassment allegations were raised.

“It’s this kind of creative thinking and fiscal responsibility I will bring to the JCCC Board of Trustees.”

On April 5, the Johnson County electorate will vote in three names to serve on the JCCC Board of Trustees. More can be found out about James Nelson at www.votejamesnelson.com.