MLC Fall Governing Board Digest

Summit Hall

• The board approved operating budgets of $15.7 million for 2011-12 and $16.2 million for 2012-13. As directed by the Synodical Council, the budgets include average pay increases of 3.5% for faculty and support staff each year.The board also asked the SC to consider a smaller pay increase in order to direct more resources to other areas of the operating budget. This budget is subject to final approval by the Synodical Council.
• Student fee increases were limited to 3% for 2011-12. To partially offset the increase in fees, additional merit grant funding of up to $200,000 was allocated.
• The board authorized calling for three faculty positions that will be vacated in June 2010 due to retirements: English (Prof. Koestler), Science (Prof. Sponholz), and Director of Admissions (Prof. Brutlag).
• The board supported the development of study abroad programs to China and other venues as well as efforts to study the offering of the Mandarin language for credit.
• The board recommended that the new early childhood coordinator, which will be called by the Commission on Lutheran Schools, establish a primary office at the college.
• The board endorsed the concept presented by the Task Force on Expanded Programs that there are ways to expand program offerings at MLC under the college’s mission to serve the ministry needs of the WELS. A new committee will be appointed “to assess more completely the current ministry needs of the church in this changing society, while cherishing the gospel freedom we have to consider training for additional ministry opportunities.”
• The board heard a progress report on the proposed joint senior living and early childhood learning center project. The board acknowledged the project as a mission fit and a good opportunity to model ministry for both our students and the congregations of the WELS. Recognizing that some aspects of the proposal require additional information and planning, the board resolved to complete the study in preparation for a presentation to the Synodical Council later in the school year.
• The board directed the college to seek permission from the Council of Presidents (COP) to conduct a capital campaign during the next biennium (August 2011-August 2013) to address student assistance, construction of a new early childhood learning center, facility maintenance, and expansion of Daylight USA and Daylight International.