There is a lot of potential for change this month at Sheldon Jackson College. On October 4th, the city assembly will hold a special session to discuss the issues of important services such as Hames, the Childcare Center, and Stratton Library, and to consider the terms for a $450k line of credit to cover outstanding utility payments.
Then, on October 11th, the Alaska Commission on Post-secondary Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting to address the licensure of the College, which it revoked on September 11th.
The assembly meeting is open to the public, and public comments are encouraged. I'm not sure if ACPE will provide teleconferencing access for its meeting.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
A bright spot.
The US Department of Commerce has awarded the College $1.2 million for a new roe processing training facility. Raven Radio produced the following related story.
With the suspension of academic programs, it appears that training will not be linked to an accredited degree program. This may have been the case even if the College was fully operating this fall.
Dr. Dobler is quoted as saying that this is "the first step in the development of a comprehensive seafood processing program." It certainly doesn't answer the larger questions of SJ's future, but may provide some breathing room for the hatchery program and college. It is a small step, hopefully in the right direction, and I wish the College well.
With the suspension of academic programs, it appears that training will not be linked to an accredited degree program. This may have been the case even if the College was fully operating this fall.
Dr. Dobler is quoted as saying that this is "the first step in the development of a comprehensive seafood processing program." It certainly doesn't answer the larger questions of SJ's future, but may provide some breathing room for the hatchery program and college. It is a small step, hopefully in the right direction, and I wish the College well.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Nothing happened.
Basically, any agenda item involving SJ was moved to a special session to be held October 4th. During persons to be heard, people did speak in favor of keeping Hames open. There was some urgency to their comments, as one announced that the college planned on draining the pool October 8th.
So the issues regarding both Hames and other services, and the interest rate on a city loan remain. I think the two could be combined. For example, the College owes the city some $450k, and the city may want to step in to keep Hames open. Why not figure out a fair lease amount for the building, and deduct it from what is owed. A lease of $15k per month for Hames would provide the city with TWO YEARS of rent.
One last thought: I really think the city assembly would value your opinions. They can be reached here.
So the issues regarding both Hames and other services, and the interest rate on a city loan remain. I think the two could be combined. For example, the College owes the city some $450k, and the city may want to step in to keep Hames open. Why not figure out a fair lease amount for the building, and deduct it from what is owed. A lease of $15k per month for Hames would provide the city with TWO YEARS of rent.
One last thought: I really think the city assembly would value your opinions. They can be reached here.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
SJ on the City's Agenda
At tonight's scheduled Assembly meeting, two items pertain directly to SJ: The future of auxiliary services such as Hames, Childcare, the Hatchery, and Library; and the potential of a loan (line of credit) for the campus. SJ wants the interest on the loan to be reduced from 12% to 5%. It's purpose is to pay off outstanding utilities.
I'll let you know how it goes.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
News of SJ hits the Presbyterian News Service
I recently came along this article from the PC (USA) news service. Nothing new to us here, but word is spreading.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
How SJ's closure affects our community
Of course much of the space on this blog has been dedicated to addressing student and staff needs, and informing both through updates and announcements. Students, faculty and staff were in the direct line of fire when the whole thing went off.
Less talked about, but surely on a lot of people's minds are the secondary effects of SJ's closure. Recently, these issues have received increased attention as the community of Sitka begins to more fully appreciate the impact of losing the college. The recent decision by the Board to close Hames and the Childcare Center are two examples. Here's another:
During the most recent Sitka School Board Meeting the issue of enrollment was discussed. The district lost 52 kids this year. The cost - $386,000. 38 of 52 kids had parents either enrolled or employed at SJ who have since moved on.
The good news: the loss of kids should make the closing of the childcare center easier to bare. In all seriousness, it's a significant loss, and another tragic outcome related to the closure of SJC.
Less talked about, but surely on a lot of people's minds are the secondary effects of SJ's closure. Recently, these issues have received increased attention as the community of Sitka begins to more fully appreciate the impact of losing the college. The recent decision by the Board to close Hames and the Childcare Center are two examples. Here's another:
During the most recent Sitka School Board Meeting the issue of enrollment was discussed. The district lost 52 kids this year. The cost - $386,000. 38 of 52 kids had parents either enrolled or employed at SJ who have since moved on.
The good news: the loss of kids should make the closing of the childcare center easier to bare. In all seriousness, it's a significant loss, and another tragic outcome related to the closure of SJC.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
SJC Library Meeting Called
A public meeting has been scheduled to discuss the current and future status of Sheldon Jackson College's Stratton Library. It will be held Wednesday, September 19th, in the Sitka National Historic Park visitors center theater.
Hames PE Center
A group of local citizens and organizations met this week to discuss the future of the Hames PE Center. Divided now into committees, they will work to address both short and long-term solutions. At the meeting, President Dobler confirmed that a for profit fitness club from Juneau has visited the center, and he expects a proposal to be forthcoming. The Raven Radio story is here, as well as an interview with Thad Poulson, here.
Monday, September 17, 2007
If I were a Trustee...
From reading the comments posted on this site, as well as students' myspace pages, etc. it evident that many folks have thoughts and ideas about what the future of Sheldon Jackson College could look like. Here's your chance to share it with others. I'll send all comments posted here onto the Trustees (hopefully they're already avid readers =))
The guidelines: In 100 words or less, complete the thought, "If I were a Trustee..." Keep it positive. Accountability is a good thing, character assassination is not.
I look forward to hearing from you.
The guidelines: In 100 words or less, complete the thought, "If I were a Trustee..." Keep it positive. Accountability is a good thing, character assassination is not.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Employment & Enrollment Updates
Here's what I know so far:
Employment:
Bryner -AMSEA
Cerissa - Youth Advocates
Patricia - Raven's Way
Pat - Sitka Counseling
Heather - Sitka Counseling
Scott - Sitka Conservation Society
Mike - University of Washington
Angie - Sitka Police Dept.
Ginny - Sitka High School
Tom - Avant Garde Education
Enrollment:
Bill & Karissa - APU
Katie T - Lakeland College
Angela - Marylhurst U
Kiara, Sandy, Jakala, Sarah, Dennis, Brandy - UAS Juneau
Katy Ann, Jesse - UAS Sitka
My best to everyone...
Employment:
Bryner -AMSEA
Cerissa - Youth Advocates
Patricia - Raven's Way
Pat - Sitka Counseling
Heather - Sitka Counseling
Scott - Sitka Conservation Society
Mike - University of Washington
Angie - Sitka Police Dept.
Ginny - Sitka High School
Tom - Avant Garde Education
Enrollment:
Bill & Karissa - APU
Katie T - Lakeland College
Angela - Marylhurst U
Kiara, Sandy, Jakala, Sarah, Dennis, Brandy - UAS Juneau
Katy Ann, Jesse - UAS Sitka
My best to everyone...
Friday, September 14, 2007
SJC license suspended
The State of Alaska suspended the College's license to operate effective September 11th, 2007 according to a letter posted on the ACPE website. Scroll down to the September 11th update to open the letter in .pdf format. You'll need Adobe Reader to view it.
The reason for the suspension seems to be due to the loss of the surety bond, and failure to secure a new one. License can be reinstated if a new bond is secured.
If SJ does not secure a new bond, what then?
The reason for the suspension seems to be due to the loss of the surety bond, and failure to secure a new one. License can be reinstated if a new bond is secured.
If SJ does not secure a new bond, what then?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
SJC Watch featured on Raven Radio
Melissa Marconi Wentzel spoke with me about the blog, and put together this story.
Two items of interest from the story:
Kim Spangler at ACPE is cited as saying that they will revoke license unless a new surety bond is held. The old bond was scheduled to expire 9/11/07. It looks like it did.
Also, President Dobler is cited as saying that severance and annual leave will be paid once some property is sold. I heard from a Trustee today who said that the Board approved the severance and annual leave plan proposed by the Dept. of Labor.
Two items of interest from the story:
Kim Spangler at ACPE is cited as saying that they will revoke license unless a new surety bond is held. The old bond was scheduled to expire 9/11/07. It looks like it did.
Also, President Dobler is cited as saying that severance and annual leave will be paid once some property is sold. I heard from a Trustee today who said that the Board approved the severance and annual leave plan proposed by the Dept. of Labor.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Sentinel Article
By request, below you'll find the entire sentinel article of Monday, September 10th, 2007:
SCJ (that's how the paper spelled it!) Seeks Operators for Child Care, Gym
Sheldon Jackson College announced today that it will close the Hames PE Center and SJ Child Care Center within 30 days unless new operators can be found to take over management.
"We all know how important these facilities are to Sitka's residents, but we simply cannot afford to keep them open," said SJC Board of Trustees Chair Shirley Holloway in a news release today. "We dearly hope that others in Sitka will step forward so the valuable services both centers provide can be maintained for the community."
The announcement came following the trustees' meeting last week in Sitka. The College in late June decided to suspend operations for the 2007-2008 school year.
The trustees today also announced closure of the college's food service when the contract with the Alaska Public Safety Academy expires in November.
"The cessation of the three enterprises - none of which break even financially - came as part of further cost-cutting at the college," the announcement said.
The College laid off 100 members of its workforce shortly after announcing the suspension of operations.
At their meeting Wednesday and Thursday here, the trustees voted unanimously to cease all operations except the school's fish hatchery and aquarium, and the academic operations needed to complete the college's "teach-out" obligations to students who had not graduated when academic operations were suspended.
The trustees also further reduced the schools' administrative staff from 35 to six as part of an agreement with Alaska Growth Capital - the school's primary creditor - to preserve the school's assets while planning for future activities.
The College has more than $35 million in assets, primarily land and buildings, but has virtually no cash and $11 million in debts, almost half of which is owed to AGC, the college said.
"The fish hatchery is an indispensable part of what Sheldon Jackson will become in the future and is central to the economy of Southeast Alaska," said SJ President David Dobler. "Therefore we will continue operation of the hatchery as the linchpin of our future as an institution."
The school will begin an immediate search for a property management firm to oversee care of the physical plant at the school and will also search for a real estate and marketing sales firm to help manage the sale, lease, and development of the school's extensive holdings in Sitka.
"It's safe to say that Sheldon Jackson College will not reopen as a college in the near future," Holloway said. "But there are far too many needs - in marine biology, in teacher training, in training for the growing hospitality industry and for the training of village leaders - that Sheldon Jackson is uniquely equipped to meet."
"The Board of Trustees will over see the liquidation of as much property as is necessary to give us the time to establish programs here on the campus that meet those needs while being financially sustainable," Holloway said.
Sheldon Jackson College was originally established 129 years ago as a training school for Alaska Natives.
SCJ (that's how the paper spelled it!) Seeks Operators for Child Care, Gym
Sheldon Jackson College announced today that it will close the Hames PE Center and SJ Child Care Center within 30 days unless new operators can be found to take over management.
"We all know how important these facilities are to Sitka's residents, but we simply cannot afford to keep them open," said SJC Board of Trustees Chair Shirley Holloway in a news release today. "We dearly hope that others in Sitka will step forward so the valuable services both centers provide can be maintained for the community."
The announcement came following the trustees' meeting last week in Sitka. The College in late June decided to suspend operations for the 2007-2008 school year.
The trustees today also announced closure of the college's food service when the contract with the Alaska Public Safety Academy expires in November.
"The cessation of the three enterprises - none of which break even financially - came as part of further cost-cutting at the college," the announcement said.
The College laid off 100 members of its workforce shortly after announcing the suspension of operations.
At their meeting Wednesday and Thursday here, the trustees voted unanimously to cease all operations except the school's fish hatchery and aquarium, and the academic operations needed to complete the college's "teach-out" obligations to students who had not graduated when academic operations were suspended.
The trustees also further reduced the schools' administrative staff from 35 to six as part of an agreement with Alaska Growth Capital - the school's primary creditor - to preserve the school's assets while planning for future activities.
The College has more than $35 million in assets, primarily land and buildings, but has virtually no cash and $11 million in debts, almost half of which is owed to AGC, the college said.
"The fish hatchery is an indispensable part of what Sheldon Jackson will become in the future and is central to the economy of Southeast Alaska," said SJ President David Dobler. "Therefore we will continue operation of the hatchery as the linchpin of our future as an institution."
The school will begin an immediate search for a property management firm to oversee care of the physical plant at the school and will also search for a real estate and marketing sales firm to help manage the sale, lease, and development of the school's extensive holdings in Sitka.
"It's safe to say that Sheldon Jackson College will not reopen as a college in the near future," Holloway said. "But there are far too many needs - in marine biology, in teacher training, in training for the growing hospitality industry and for the training of village leaders - that Sheldon Jackson is uniquely equipped to meet."
"The Board of Trustees will over see the liquidation of as much property as is necessary to give us the time to establish programs here on the campus that meet those needs while being financially sustainable," Holloway said.
Sheldon Jackson College was originally established 129 years ago as a training school for Alaska Natives.
Monday, September 10, 2007
SJ "will not reopen in the near future"
The above quote is from Dr. Shirley Holloway, Board President of Sheldon Jackson College, taken from the September 10th Daily Sitka Sentinel. It's perhaps an expected moment, yet still hits hard for me. It's hard to imagine that just months ago many of us were preparing for a new semester.
The article also stated that food service will cease operations in November, once the contract with the safety academy ends, and Hames and the Childcare Center will close October 10th if new management isn't found. In addition, the article confirmed what I'd heard earlier: staff was reduced from 35 to six. Those remaining are President Dobler, his assistant Christina Gillenwater, Jim Sharpe, CFO, Debby Pucket, Account Manager, and Hatchery folks Dan Goodness and James Shewmake. The school will hire a property management firm to maintain the physical plant.
Here's what's troubling: The additional layoffs were part of an agreement with Alaska Growth Capital, in order to preserve the school's assets. What does this mean? My guess is that Alaska Growth said, "If don't want us to call in the loan, quit running up huge debt." I can't be sure, since this part of the Trustees' meeting was closed to the public.
More troubling still is the news that the College is $11 million in debt, not $6 million as reported by the College in the June 29th announcement of suspended operations. Where did this additional $5 million come from in just over 60 days?
The most troubling news of all: Board President Holloway stated the following: "the board of trustees will oversee the liquidation of as much property as is necessary to give us the time to establish programs here on the campus meet those needs (marine biology, teacher training, hospitality) while being financially sustainable."
This is unacceptable to me. As a 501c(3) non profit organization, the law requires the College's assets be transfered to another non profit or to the state if the organization were to dissolve. Dissolution of Sheldon Jackson College today would still require the loss of $11 million in assets (1/3 of all assets), with no guarantee that the College will finally find success or financial stability. The Board of Trustees has not met its fiduciary responsibiliies, there is no reason to believe that a massive liquidation of property will solve anything; in fact it suggests the opposite.
And what will become of the land and property sold? What was once Sheldon Jackson College is at grave risk of being squandered away by a Board of Trustees seemingly unaware of its own limitations. It's time for a change.
The article also stated that food service will cease operations in November, once the contract with the safety academy ends, and Hames and the Childcare Center will close October 10th if new management isn't found. In addition, the article confirmed what I'd heard earlier: staff was reduced from 35 to six. Those remaining are President Dobler, his assistant Christina Gillenwater, Jim Sharpe, CFO, Debby Pucket, Account Manager, and Hatchery folks Dan Goodness and James Shewmake. The school will hire a property management firm to maintain the physical plant.
Here's what's troubling: The additional layoffs were part of an agreement with Alaska Growth Capital, in order to preserve the school's assets. What does this mean? My guess is that Alaska Growth said, "If don't want us to call in the loan, quit running up huge debt." I can't be sure, since this part of the Trustees' meeting was closed to the public.
More troubling still is the news that the College is $11 million in debt, not $6 million as reported by the College in the June 29th announcement of suspended operations. Where did this additional $5 million come from in just over 60 days?
The most troubling news of all: Board President Holloway stated the following: "the board of trustees will oversee the liquidation of as much property as is necessary to give us the time to establish programs here on the campus meet those needs (marine biology, teacher training, hospitality) while being financially sustainable."
This is unacceptable to me. As a 501c(3) non profit organization, the law requires the College's assets be transfered to another non profit or to the state if the organization were to dissolve. Dissolution of Sheldon Jackson College today would still require the loss of $11 million in assets (1/3 of all assets), with no guarantee that the College will finally find success or financial stability. The Board of Trustees has not met its fiduciary responsibiliies, there is no reason to believe that a massive liquidation of property will solve anything; in fact it suggests the opposite.
And what will become of the land and property sold? What was once Sheldon Jackson College is at grave risk of being squandered away by a Board of Trustees seemingly unaware of its own limitations. It's time for a change.
Vigilance
Who will guard the guards themselves?
(quis custodiet ipsos custodes?)
Juvenal, Satires
Roman poet & satirist (55 AD - 127 AD)
Sheldon Jackson College is well beyond the verge of collapse. At this time, the possibilities for desperate acts, corruption, and greed are at their highest. The custodians of Sheldon Jackson - technically the Board of Trustees - have never been more susceptible to making bad decisions.
We must be vigilant. What's at stake: The land - hundreds of acres of prime real estate entrusted to Sheldon Jackson for educational purposes; The history - one of a kind Merril prints, donated art, decades of records; The promises - severance and annual leave, reimbursements, teach out plans, etc.
Stay connected, stay informed.
(quis custodiet ipsos custodes?)
Juvenal, Satires
Roman poet & satirist (55 AD - 127 AD)
Sheldon Jackson College is well beyond the verge of collapse. At this time, the possibilities for desperate acts, corruption, and greed are at their highest. The custodians of Sheldon Jackson - technically the Board of Trustees - have never been more susceptible to making bad decisions.
We must be vigilant. What's at stake: The land - hundreds of acres of prime real estate entrusted to Sheldon Jackson for educational purposes; The history - one of a kind Merril prints, donated art, decades of records; The promises - severance and annual leave, reimbursements, teach out plans, etc.
Stay connected, stay informed.
Friday, September 7, 2007
And then there were six
I've heard from several sources now that a new round of layoffs will be announced. The staff will be reduced to six. Hames PE Center and the Childcare Center will be advertised to organizations to lease. If no takers, the facilities will cease operations.
Board of Trustees Part II
The Board resumed their meeting Thursday morning at 8:30am. In open session they deferred degrees to eight students (three Bachelor's and five Associates) for students who've completed remaining requirements over the summer. Congratulations.
They also began review of the "Teach Out" plan submitted by the Alaska Commission on Post Secondary Education (ACPE), but moved to delay action until after executive session. Three items on the agenda "Treasurers Report", "Alaska Growth Settlement" and "Staffing Patterns for 2007-2008" were held under Executive Session. The delay to the teach out plan was due to the desire to address staffing patterns first. The teach out plan refers to a "President" and "Chief Academic Officer" and the Board wasn't positive that they'd keep those positions/titles into the upcoming year. I wonder what that means...
During the Treasurer's Report, there was supposed to be a proposal regarding payout of severance and annual leave. I'll check in soon and find out what happened.
At 10:00AM there was to a be a presentation by Keith Cox and Marisa Chelius about the Sitka Sound Science Center, an arrangement that would include NOAA and involves the Sage / Hatchery facility. I missed this part of the meeting, but will check in with Keith and update the site soon.
This is all I know so far...
They also began review of the "Teach Out" plan submitted by the Alaska Commission on Post Secondary Education (ACPE), but moved to delay action until after executive session. Three items on the agenda "Treasurers Report", "Alaska Growth Settlement" and "Staffing Patterns for 2007-2008" were held under Executive Session. The delay to the teach out plan was due to the desire to address staffing patterns first. The teach out plan refers to a "President" and "Chief Academic Officer" and the Board wasn't positive that they'd keep those positions/titles into the upcoming year. I wonder what that means...
During the Treasurer's Report, there was supposed to be a proposal regarding payout of severance and annual leave. I'll check in soon and find out what happened.
At 10:00AM there was to a be a presentation by Keith Cox and Marisa Chelius about the Sitka Sound Science Center, an arrangement that would include NOAA and involves the Sage / Hatchery facility. I missed this part of the meeting, but will check in with Keith and update the site soon.
This is all I know so far...
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Board of Trustees solves affordable housing crisis
The Board of Trustees of Historic Sheldon Jackson College recently announced plans to address Sitka's affordable housing crisis by...
Selling off all of the colleges residences.
OK, they didn't really do that. However, the entire first hour and a half of their recent meeting was dedicated to a presentation by realtor Nancy Davis, who listed house-by house the estimated market value of every residence on campus. And it is no secret that the College is "cash poor and asset rich" as Dr. Dobler is fond of saying. Putting two and two together, it seems to be just a matter of time before a few "for sale" signs adorn the lawns of former staff, student, and faculty homes.
According to Mrs. Davis, some proprties are more valuable and easier to sell than others. Lincoln Street houses are the most desirable, but the Board is less likely to want to part with them. The Jeff Davis houses are also desirable. Tougher to sell and develop are the family housing units, incinerator site, and vacant lots in between the two.
Also present at Wednesday's meeting was bankruptcy attorney Cabot Christianson of Anchroage and John Delano of Alaska Growth Capital. Neither of them spoke in open session, and after Mrs. Davis presentation, the Board went into excutive session for the remiander of the day.
Selling off all of the colleges residences.
OK, they didn't really do that. However, the entire first hour and a half of their recent meeting was dedicated to a presentation by realtor Nancy Davis, who listed house-by house the estimated market value of every residence on campus. And it is no secret that the College is "cash poor and asset rich" as Dr. Dobler is fond of saying. Putting two and two together, it seems to be just a matter of time before a few "for sale" signs adorn the lawns of former staff, student, and faculty homes.
According to Mrs. Davis, some proprties are more valuable and easier to sell than others. Lincoln Street houses are the most desirable, but the Board is less likely to want to part with them. The Jeff Davis houses are also desirable. Tougher to sell and develop are the family housing units, incinerator site, and vacant lots in between the two.
Also present at Wednesday's meeting was bankruptcy attorney Cabot Christianson of Anchroage and John Delano of Alaska Growth Capital. Neither of them spoke in open session, and after Mrs. Davis presentation, the Board went into excutive session for the remiander of the day.
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