Why should it? Why would anyone want it to?
Don't mistake my sentiments for cynicism or pessimism. Simply put, the evidence just doesn't point to any reopening. For example:
The former college is carrying debt of over $12 million. The only way to to pay it off is to sell property. Selling every perimeter property doesn't come close to this figure. Add to this the start up costs of reopening the college. Deferred maintenance of several millions, recruiting staff and students, etc. would likely cost upwards of $50 million.
SJ(C?) is no longer accredited nor licensed to operate a college. This means that no federal aid is available. So add the costs of scholarships to the above figure, as well as the difficulty of attracting students to a formerly failed school without accreditation.
Most importantly, the Board of Trustees of Sheldon Jackson College have failed to persuade anyone that they should be responsible for running a college. The same people who fired employees and sent students packing with no notice are still there. I don't want them running any organization that requires a commitment to the welfare of students. Ever.
The effort now should be to preserve the campus core for history's sake, as well as for potential new uses; to call for the dissolution of Sheldon Jackson College as an entity, and to look to future organizations and leaders to bring about a new mission and purpose for a once proud institution.
The current one just has too much baggage.
Showing posts with label Opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Opinion. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
David Sweetland Hall
I still frequently have people stop, call or e-mail me who think the school will reopen. When I tell people that all the buildings are in bad shape and need lots ans lots work people often think I’m over reacting.
Anyway the other day I was looking through some old photos I have from when I worked at SJ and I came across these photos taken during the summer of 2004. These are before we did repair work on the West 100 shower room. This damage was done from water leaking into the walls and floor in the showers. This damage was done because of poor construction techniques. Keep in mind that there are 7 more shower rooms in Sweetland Hall and I can tell you that all of them have similar damage. The last time I crawled under South 100 during the summer of 07 the rot looked this bad or worse. In fact in 2007 there was a hole all the way through the exterior wall big enough to put my hand through. So, I think I can safely assume that the inside of the South 100 wall looks worse than what you see in the posted photos.
Anyway the other day I was looking through some old photos I have from when I worked at SJ and I came across these photos taken during the summer of 2004. These are before we did repair work on the West 100 shower room. This damage was done from water leaking into the walls and floor in the showers. This damage was done because of poor construction techniques. Keep in mind that there are 7 more shower rooms in Sweetland Hall and I can tell you that all of them have similar damage. The last time I crawled under South 100 during the summer of 07 the rot looked this bad or worse. In fact in 2007 there was a hole all the way through the exterior wall big enough to put my hand through. So, I think I can safely assume that the inside of the South 100 wall looks worse than what you see in the posted photos.
In the top photo VIM Vern Boyer shows the rot after he pulled off the siding and sheeeting on the exterior wall. In the 2nd photo you can see how rotted the floor joist that are under the shower room. And in the 3rd photo you can see the damge done by ants.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
I Guess it Doesn’t Matter But it Bugged Me
Today while at someone else’s home I couldn’t help notice a piece of furniture out of the Stratton Library. When I asked the lady about it she said she paid cash for it at a yard sale last summer. I had to wonder how many of SJ’s old assets have been sold for cash. Both, legitimate sales and non-legitimate. I have also heard many rumors of items being purchased for cash from the SJ campus. I guess at this time it really doesn’t matter. However, I do know many things that are now possibly being sold off were purchased with grant funds or were donated by people who would be sad to know their donations are enriching someone who more than likely did not come by the item legally.
Have any of you seen or heard of other SJ items being sold for cash around town?
Have any of you seen or heard of other SJ items being sold for cash around town?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
You Know You Are From SJ If…..
SJC Alumnus Nicole Paggett asked me to post You Know You Are From SJ if….. Written by Erin Keenan. Since I liked it and thought much of it rang true for past students, faculty and staff I figured I’d post something fun here for a change.
Both Nicole and Erin also send there best to all.
You Know You Are From SJ If…..
1. Your Professor ever canceled class because it was sunny.
2. You have ever volunteered to spawn salmon.
3. Class was canceled to watch the herring run.
4. You were ever afraid to stand in front of David Sweetland's portrait.
5. Celebrated the day they took it down.
6. You know who David Sweetland was.
7. You know ghost stories about him and the cafeteria.
8. Sundays equaled waffles.
9. You could recognize every single state trooper while in uniform.
10. Once a month you wondered when the Whitworth students had arrived, then realized they were the troopers in civilian dress
11. As a freshmen in DSH you could name all the students and where they were from.
12. You lived in NPH or Whitmore and had no clue who the freshmen were and did not care.
13. Ate more food off campus then on.
14. You ate Pizza Express at least once a week.
15. You knew what the phrase "the troopers are coming" meant.
16. You could run from the Raz to DSH in 10 seconds.
17. You weighed 250 and could make it in the same amount of time.
18. You could do it in flip flops.
19. Your shoes of choice were Extra Tuffs, flip flops or sandals.
20. Everyone would notice if your boot were not Extra Tuffs
21. You could wear long johns, two pair of pants, rain pants, a tee shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweat shirt, a hoodie, a polar fleece, down jacket, two pairs of gloves, and a stocking cap and still have to use the blanket you brought with you to stay warm in class.
22. You have slept in the above mentioned outfit and were still cold.
23. Classes were canceled because it was warmer outside then in.
24. You took a cab or the school van to the bank, but would walk over a mile to Lakeside for groceries and carried them back.
25. You know the difference between "Big C" and "Little C"
26. You have to think about the real name of "Little C"
27. You know what donkey meat (or seagull, eagle, raven, crow) was and looked forward to eating it.
28. You have eaten pork for ever meal for two weeks in a row.
29. You now know all the possible culinary uses of pineapple.
30. Some days not even the kitchen staff knew what was in the lasagna.
31. The vegetarian enchiladas were stuffed with chicken.
32. Just a glance at the menu would cause you to eat a $12 bowl of lucky charms.
33. Some times you had to resort to eating a $12 peanut butter and jelly sandwich, because the milk was bad and so was the lunch meat.
34. You gained 40lbs in one semester on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
35. There were days when even the gravy ran away from the mashed potatoes.
36. Fried chicken was on the menu you would get a shriveled up wing because anything bigger would be frozen solid on the inside.
37. Some days the potatoes would make great snowballs that never lost their shape.
38. You have ever been asked by a trooper for meal advice.
39. You have ever stood in the middle of the trooper line, and waved to all your friends.
40. You have seen troopers do push ups in the snow.
41. You have seen troopers do push ups in the main lounge.
42. You have felt bad for that trooper still in the bathroom when the others have already left.
43. You are female and have had a trooper open the door for you and call you Miss.
44. You are female and remember Sgt Spitzer.
45. You have ever been serenaded by troopers on your birthday.
46. You have ever been afraid that people would find out about you birthday.
47. You know what the flume is.
48. You have been thrown in the flume.
49. You have ever jumped in the flume.
50. You have ever seen someone physically dragged from their room kicking and screaming in the middle of the night and taken outside in winter with snow on the ground, surrounded by a mob of people and no one questions it.
51. You were there when it happened to Bryner. (I was, it was great. Erin)
52. You knew when the salmon came in due to the smell of death.
53. You could name every mountain whether you climbed them or not.
54. You walked through Totem Park because you were bored.
55. You could hear the ocean from your dorm room.
56. Though you could see it, you rarely ever walked the beach.
57. You have been told not to walk around campus at night because of bear sightings.
58. You got excited when you saw a deer on campus.
59. You got really excited when you saw a deer behind the cafeteria.
60. You either know him, or know someone who knows that guy that saw a deer behind the cafeteria ran to his room and shot the deer with a bow and arrow out his window.
61. You know the handbook has a rule about not cleaning game or fish in the bathrooms or bedrooms.
62. You know people who have broken that rule.
63. You are one of the people who broke that rule.
64. You don't know where the designated cleaning place is.
65. You are, or know, a hippy tree hugging vegetarian who hates bald eagles and wishes they would all die because they perch on boats and crap everywhere.
66. You know what a bear stick is.
67. You have threatened to hit your best friend with one if the need should arise.
68. You know what the "Gloria" is and still wonder who owns her.
69. You know the location of Superman's phone booth is.
70. You know where the Raz is, but not the Rasmuson building.
71. You and your teachers wore Extra Tuffs to graduation.
72. You have referred to Whitmore as a cult and as a group distrust them.
73. You got excited when the new staircase in NPH and Whitmore were built.
74. You watched the crack in the smoke stack of the laundry room get bigger.
75. You have ever wondered when the Allen building was every going to be finished.
76. You have ever failed a class because the server was down.
77. You can recognize the sound of rage when the internet goes down.
78. You know who Gizmo was.
79. You could recognize a certain person’s whistle and take a different path.
80. You have seen an ice ax, a sleeping bag, and a math book strapped to the same bag.
81. You have worn hip waders and brought your fishing pool to class.
82. You did that after fishing.
83. You have had a beer with a professor.
84. You have been given a hug by Duna.
85. You know which teachers to refer to as Dr. and which go by their first name and to this day still refer to them as that.
86. You have ever been hunting or fishing with a professor, staff member, or VIM.
87. You know what VIM stands for.
88. You had a favorite VIM.
89. You had a VIM you hated with a passion.
90. You know Marcel and speak of him always with high praise whether you knew him or not.
91. You think Pat is pretty much the coolest guy ever.
92. You know who Martin was, even if you have never met him.
93. You have ever been sea sick on a teacher’s boat.
94. Two words. Sock Wars.
95. You know for a fact that in the end, sock wars always turns out to be a battle of the sexes.
96. You have ever been one of the body guards to the last two sock war members.
97. You have ever had Pat Shehan try to set you up on a date.
98. You have ever dated your ex's present partners ex.
99. You realize that the couple that broke up has only been together for two weeks (not two months like you thought) and are now on their forth or fifth girlfriend/boyfriend.
100. The first week or two of classes girls wear makeup, cute clothes, and high heels, then stop due to weather conditions and the fact that no one cares if they are cute or not, but weather or not they will have sex in the woods.
101. You understood what "she is going to Juneau" meant.
102. You remember Cohabitation.
103. You remember when Cohabitation was defined as vaginal sex.
104. You remember when that changed.
105. You laughed your ass off when they thought it would make a difference.
106. You know people who justified having sex during the day, then saying that as long as they were out of the room by curfew they were not breaking any rules.
107. You were one of those people.
108. You did not care and had sex whenever you wanted.
109. You fantasized about Sgt. Spitzer.
110. The smallest rule to break was watching a DVD in one of the lounges.
111. You would hide the DVD and swear it was a movie on TV.
112. You would search for movies that said "Public viewing rights included" just to piss people off.
113. You have ever stood in the snow at night in a towel and wet hair because the fire alarm went off.
114. You have ever had the misfortune of the happening while the troopers were there.
115. You have ever been excited about a trooper saying something, anything, to you.
116. After all this time you still keep track of SJ by reading Bryner's blog.
117. The name Brian Chamberlain causes intense anger and uncontrollable rage.
118. You love Louis Driver.
119. You knew the other mail box es that your mail box key opened.
And last but not least, and I am sure there are many, many more great things that made SJ such a great place...
120. You still know the address to SJC.
Both Nicole and Erin also send there best to all.
You Know You Are From SJ If…..
1. Your Professor ever canceled class because it was sunny.
2. You have ever volunteered to spawn salmon.
3. Class was canceled to watch the herring run.
4. You were ever afraid to stand in front of David Sweetland's portrait.
5. Celebrated the day they took it down.
6. You know who David Sweetland was.
7. You know ghost stories about him and the cafeteria.
8. Sundays equaled waffles.
9. You could recognize every single state trooper while in uniform.
10. Once a month you wondered when the Whitworth students had arrived, then realized they were the troopers in civilian dress
11. As a freshmen in DSH you could name all the students and where they were from.
12. You lived in NPH or Whitmore and had no clue who the freshmen were and did not care.
13. Ate more food off campus then on.
14. You ate Pizza Express at least once a week.
15. You knew what the phrase "the troopers are coming" meant.
16. You could run from the Raz to DSH in 10 seconds.
17. You weighed 250 and could make it in the same amount of time.
18. You could do it in flip flops.
19. Your shoes of choice were Extra Tuffs, flip flops or sandals.
20. Everyone would notice if your boot were not Extra Tuffs
21. You could wear long johns, two pair of pants, rain pants, a tee shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweat shirt, a hoodie, a polar fleece, down jacket, two pairs of gloves, and a stocking cap and still have to use the blanket you brought with you to stay warm in class.
22. You have slept in the above mentioned outfit and were still cold.
23. Classes were canceled because it was warmer outside then in.
24. You took a cab or the school van to the bank, but would walk over a mile to Lakeside for groceries and carried them back.
25. You know the difference between "Big C" and "Little C"
26. You have to think about the real name of "Little C"
27. You know what donkey meat (or seagull, eagle, raven, crow) was and looked forward to eating it.
28. You have eaten pork for ever meal for two weeks in a row.
29. You now know all the possible culinary uses of pineapple.
30. Some days not even the kitchen staff knew what was in the lasagna.
31. The vegetarian enchiladas were stuffed with chicken.
32. Just a glance at the menu would cause you to eat a $12 bowl of lucky charms.
33. Some times you had to resort to eating a $12 peanut butter and jelly sandwich, because the milk was bad and so was the lunch meat.
34. You gained 40lbs in one semester on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
35. There were days when even the gravy ran away from the mashed potatoes.
36. Fried chicken was on the menu you would get a shriveled up wing because anything bigger would be frozen solid on the inside.
37. Some days the potatoes would make great snowballs that never lost their shape.
38. You have ever been asked by a trooper for meal advice.
39. You have ever stood in the middle of the trooper line, and waved to all your friends.
40. You have seen troopers do push ups in the snow.
41. You have seen troopers do push ups in the main lounge.
42. You have felt bad for that trooper still in the bathroom when the others have already left.
43. You are female and have had a trooper open the door for you and call you Miss.
44. You are female and remember Sgt Spitzer.
45. You have ever been serenaded by troopers on your birthday.
46. You have ever been afraid that people would find out about you birthday.
47. You know what the flume is.
48. You have been thrown in the flume.
49. You have ever jumped in the flume.
50. You have ever seen someone physically dragged from their room kicking and screaming in the middle of the night and taken outside in winter with snow on the ground, surrounded by a mob of people and no one questions it.
51. You were there when it happened to Bryner. (I was, it was great. Erin)
52. You knew when the salmon came in due to the smell of death.
53. You could name every mountain whether you climbed them or not.
54. You walked through Totem Park because you were bored.
55. You could hear the ocean from your dorm room.
56. Though you could see it, you rarely ever walked the beach.
57. You have been told not to walk around campus at night because of bear sightings.
58. You got excited when you saw a deer on campus.
59. You got really excited when you saw a deer behind the cafeteria.
60. You either know him, or know someone who knows that guy that saw a deer behind the cafeteria ran to his room and shot the deer with a bow and arrow out his window.
61. You know the handbook has a rule about not cleaning game or fish in the bathrooms or bedrooms.
62. You know people who have broken that rule.
63. You are one of the people who broke that rule.
64. You don't know where the designated cleaning place is.
65. You are, or know, a hippy tree hugging vegetarian who hates bald eagles and wishes they would all die because they perch on boats and crap everywhere.
66. You know what a bear stick is.
67. You have threatened to hit your best friend with one if the need should arise.
68. You know what the "Gloria" is and still wonder who owns her.
69. You know the location of Superman's phone booth is.
70. You know where the Raz is, but not the Rasmuson building.
71. You and your teachers wore Extra Tuffs to graduation.
72. You have referred to Whitmore as a cult and as a group distrust them.
73. You got excited when the new staircase in NPH and Whitmore were built.
74. You watched the crack in the smoke stack of the laundry room get bigger.
75. You have ever wondered when the Allen building was every going to be finished.
76. You have ever failed a class because the server was down.
77. You can recognize the sound of rage when the internet goes down.
78. You know who Gizmo was.
79. You could recognize a certain person’s whistle and take a different path.
80. You have seen an ice ax, a sleeping bag, and a math book strapped to the same bag.
81. You have worn hip waders and brought your fishing pool to class.
82. You did that after fishing.
83. You have had a beer with a professor.
84. You have been given a hug by Duna.
85. You know which teachers to refer to as Dr. and which go by their first name and to this day still refer to them as that.
86. You have ever been hunting or fishing with a professor, staff member, or VIM.
87. You know what VIM stands for.
88. You had a favorite VIM.
89. You had a VIM you hated with a passion.
90. You know Marcel and speak of him always with high praise whether you knew him or not.
91. You think Pat is pretty much the coolest guy ever.
92. You know who Martin was, even if you have never met him.
93. You have ever been sea sick on a teacher’s boat.
94. Two words. Sock Wars.
95. You know for a fact that in the end, sock wars always turns out to be a battle of the sexes.
96. You have ever been one of the body guards to the last two sock war members.
97. You have ever had Pat Shehan try to set you up on a date.
98. You have ever dated your ex's present partners ex.
99. You realize that the couple that broke up has only been together for two weeks (not two months like you thought) and are now on their forth or fifth girlfriend/boyfriend.
100. The first week or two of classes girls wear makeup, cute clothes, and high heels, then stop due to weather conditions and the fact that no one cares if they are cute or not, but weather or not they will have sex in the woods.
101. You understood what "she is going to Juneau" meant.
102. You remember Cohabitation.
103. You remember when Cohabitation was defined as vaginal sex.
104. You remember when that changed.
105. You laughed your ass off when they thought it would make a difference.
106. You know people who justified having sex during the day, then saying that as long as they were out of the room by curfew they were not breaking any rules.
107. You were one of those people.
108. You did not care and had sex whenever you wanted.
109. You fantasized about Sgt. Spitzer.
110. The smallest rule to break was watching a DVD in one of the lounges.
111. You would hide the DVD and swear it was a movie on TV.
112. You would search for movies that said "Public viewing rights included" just to piss people off.
113. You have ever stood in the snow at night in a towel and wet hair because the fire alarm went off.
114. You have ever had the misfortune of the happening while the troopers were there.
115. You have ever been excited about a trooper saying something, anything, to you.
116. After all this time you still keep track of SJ by reading Bryner's blog.
117. The name Brian Chamberlain causes intense anger and uncontrollable rage.
118. You love Louis Driver.
119. You knew the other mail box es that your mail box key opened.
And last but not least, and I am sure there are many, many more great things that made SJ such a great place...
120. You still know the address to SJC.
Friday, July 11, 2008
CIRI Alaska Tourism Corp
Anyone who is interested in learning more about the new company that is going to do the property management for the now defunct Sheldon Jackson College might be interest in seeing who owns Pacific Tower Properties. You can go to CIRI Subsidiaries by clicking on this link. CIRI.
I have to wonder if they might be the new owners of the Quad?
I have to wonder if they might be the new owners of the Quad?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
One Year After the Ax Fell
One week from today the 29th of June will be the 1st anniversary of the closing of SJ. I was recently asked by another former employee if I was over the closing yet. I had to truthfully answer that I was not and might not ever get over it. How about the rest of you out there? Past students, faculty and staff, how are you all doing one year after the ax fell? I know I’m interested in hearing and I bet others are too. Please post a comment on how things have turned out. Maybe you could list a few good things along with the bad.
Here is my list:
The Bad:
I miss the fine people from students to employees, but most especially all the wonderful volunteers.
I still feel the school could have been saved with proper management and I’m still heart sick that such a historic and important institution closed after 130 years of operations.
I worry what will happen to the historic buildings.
The Good:
I’ve had more time to spend with my family, most especially my grandsons.
I have not missed the middle of the night calls about something being broken.
I had lots of time to work on my house and to find out what partial retirement is all about.
I don’t wake up in the middle of the night worrying about what’s going to break next and I can tell you there has been a lot less stress in my life.
So, as much as I miss SJ maybe the good has out weighed the bad. How about you?
Here is my list:
The Bad:
I miss the fine people from students to employees, but most especially all the wonderful volunteers.
I still feel the school could have been saved with proper management and I’m still heart sick that such a historic and important institution closed after 130 years of operations.
I worry what will happen to the historic buildings.
The Good:
I’ve had more time to spend with my family, most especially my grandsons.
I have not missed the middle of the night calls about something being broken.
I had lots of time to work on my house and to find out what partial retirement is all about.
I don’t wake up in the middle of the night worrying about what’s going to break next and I can tell you there has been a lot less stress in my life.
So, as much as I miss SJ maybe the good has out weighed the bad. How about you?
Friday, November 16, 2007
Who defines the future?
As I reread the recent Sentinel article regarding Tuesday's Trustee meeting, I was struck by something Trustee Gary Paxton said. To paraphrase, he said something to the effect of, "we intend to keep the core campus property together for as long as possible with the hope that somebody will want to run some kind of educational program there." This isn't a perfect quote, but a decent enough facsimile.
What part stands out to you?
To me it's this: ..."that SOMEBODY will want to run SOME KIND of educational program there."
With all due respect to Mr. Paxton, a relatively new member of the Board, the SOMEBODY should have been US, the faculty, staff, and students of SJC! We were dismissed, denied, and derided.
SOMEBODY just doesn't cut it.
SOME KIND of program is no better. The program needs to be one that addresses the unique needs of our community, state, and planet. In my next posting, I'll lay out a vision for what could have been, and could still be if the will exists.
What part stands out to you?
To me it's this: ..."that SOMEBODY will want to run SOME KIND of educational program there."
With all due respect to Mr. Paxton, a relatively new member of the Board, the SOMEBODY should have been US, the faculty, staff, and students of SJC! We were dismissed, denied, and derided.
SOMEBODY just doesn't cut it.
SOME KIND of program is no better. The program needs to be one that addresses the unique needs of our community, state, and planet. In my next posting, I'll lay out a vision for what could have been, and could still be if the will exists.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Setting a double standard
SJ(C?) recently sent all student accounts in default to a collection agency, Northern Credit Services. While an argument can be made that SJ is owed the funds, their recent action is nonetheless particularly harsh. Students were often allowed to carry over debt from semester to semester, and payment plans were reasonable. Sending students to collections changes all that by opening them up to finance charges and poor credit ratings.
Speaking of poor credit ratings, while SJ goes after students in arrears, it remains in debt to several entities, including former employees. Let's send them to collections!
How many phone calls during dinner and letters in the mail with big red "PAST DUE" stamps will it take to receive compensation?
Speaking of poor credit ratings, while SJ goes after students in arrears, it remains in debt to several entities, including former employees. Let's send them to collections!
How many phone calls during dinner and letters in the mail with big red "PAST DUE" stamps will it take to receive compensation?
Saturday, October 20, 2007
IRS files lien
It appears that the IRS has filed a tax lien against Sheldon Jackson College in the amount of $226,328.44, according to a document listed on the Alaska State Recorder website.
According to my count, that means that there are four organizations with liens against the former College: Alaska Growth Capital, PC USA, The city and borough of Sitka, and now the IRS.
Where do (and more importantly, where should) former employees stand in line for unpaid severance and annual leave? I believe we should be first in line, and must take the necessary steps to move there.
According to my count, that means that there are four organizations with liens against the former College: Alaska Growth Capital, PC USA, The city and borough of Sitka, and now the IRS.
Where do (and more importantly, where should) former employees stand in line for unpaid severance and annual leave? I believe we should be first in line, and must take the necessary steps to move there.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Severance & Annual Leave on hold
It appears that the Department of Labor has not been notified of the Board's plan for honoring their commitment to employees regarding severance and annual leave. I had heard that the Board approved a plan at their September meeting (although I have not seen Board minutes). When speaking with Department folks on Friday, I was told that they had not heard of the Board's decision.
The original plan called for paying staff and faculty by tenure; the folks who had been at SJ the longest would be paid first, etc. Informing the Department of Labor of this plan's approval would start the clock, so instead, SJ has kept quiet. Which means that compensation owed to folks (many of whom remain unemployed) is not forthcoming.
The President has stated that they must first sell some property before funds are available.
Former employees have received notice of the amount to be paid, but not any sort of reasonable time frame in which to be paid. This needs to change.
To date, the Department of Labor has not received any former wage claims against the College. Perhaps this should change also.
The original plan called for paying staff and faculty by tenure; the folks who had been at SJ the longest would be paid first, etc. Informing the Department of Labor of this plan's approval would start the clock, so instead, SJ has kept quiet. Which means that compensation owed to folks (many of whom remain unemployed) is not forthcoming.
The President has stated that they must first sell some property before funds are available.
Former employees have received notice of the amount to be paid, but not any sort of reasonable time frame in which to be paid. This needs to change.
To date, the Department of Labor has not received any former wage claims against the College. Perhaps this should change also.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Assembly Meeting Outcomes
The city assembly met last night to address several issues related to SJ: Hames PE Center, Stratton Library, Childcare Center, and outstanding utility payments. The house was packed with supporters of a plan to keep open Hames open for a year, while community planners develop a long term solution.
In the end:
Hames received continued support through November 30th. Far from a year of support, the assembly intends to use this time to iron out lease issues to pave the way for a year-long commitment.
The Assembly stayed with the original plan of requiring a promissory note on the $450k SJ owes them for unpaid utilities. SJ had asked for 5%, no payments for a year, one lump sum after one year. The city kept with a ten year, 12% note.
Testimony was given by members of the public regarding Stratton Libray's archives, the Childcare Center's plan to stay open, and support for Hames.
My impression:
The city and Sheldon Jackson will struggle to serve our community well unless they find more productive ways of working together. The assembly uses public meetings to criticize the College, and the College seems to withhold information pertinent to good decision-making. The public looks on and gets the impression that no one has their interests in mind. SJ and the city are on the hook if they fail to deliver.
I hope that Hames, Stratton, and the Childcare Center find new life with - or without - the city's involvement. They are valuable resources to our community.
In the end:
Hames received continued support through November 30th. Far from a year of support, the assembly intends to use this time to iron out lease issues to pave the way for a year-long commitment.
The Assembly stayed with the original plan of requiring a promissory note on the $450k SJ owes them for unpaid utilities. SJ had asked for 5%, no payments for a year, one lump sum after one year. The city kept with a ten year, 12% note.
Testimony was given by members of the public regarding Stratton Libray's archives, the Childcare Center's plan to stay open, and support for Hames.
My impression:
The city and Sheldon Jackson will struggle to serve our community well unless they find more productive ways of working together. The assembly uses public meetings to criticize the College, and the College seems to withhold information pertinent to good decision-making. The public looks on and gets the impression that no one has their interests in mind. SJ and the city are on the hook if they fail to deliver.
I hope that Hames, Stratton, and the Childcare Center find new life with - or without - the city's involvement. They are valuable resources to our community.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Rumor Mill
"There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true." ~Winston Churchill
Lately, I've been hearing a lot of rumors. It's next to impossible to know which, if any, hint at the truth. All are somewhat plausible, and none are beneath the current situation the College finds itself in.
I've listed them below. Act responsibly once you've read them. Don't spread them like wildfire. Instead, work to confirm them or dispose of them.
1. Cruise line to purchase portion of SJ property for lightering facility. Rumor has it, that an agency has made an offer. Reliability: who knows?
2. $1.2 million grant lacks the matching funds needed to keep it. Reliability: Possible, since the College is in financial crisis.
3. City gets better position on lien because of some change / oversight by SJ lender. Reliability: Could be, since some reference was made to this during last Assembly Meeting.
The truth: There'd be less rumors if the College would open up lines of communication. The website hasn't changed for over a month, Board minutes are unavailable, phones go unanswered regularly, messages aren't returned.
Lately, I've been hearing a lot of rumors. It's next to impossible to know which, if any, hint at the truth. All are somewhat plausible, and none are beneath the current situation the College finds itself in.
I've listed them below. Act responsibly once you've read them. Don't spread them like wildfire. Instead, work to confirm them or dispose of them.
1. Cruise line to purchase portion of SJ property for lightering facility. Rumor has it, that an agency has made an offer. Reliability: who knows?
2. $1.2 million grant lacks the matching funds needed to keep it. Reliability: Possible, since the College is in financial crisis.
3. City gets better position on lien because of some change / oversight by SJ lender. Reliability: Could be, since some reference was made to this during last Assembly Meeting.
The truth: There'd be less rumors if the College would open up lines of communication. The website hasn't changed for over a month, Board minutes are unavailable, phones go unanswered regularly, messages aren't returned.
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.
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.
Monday, September 10, 2007
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.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The Semester that Wasn't
Below is a copy of a letter to the editor I will submit tomorrow...
This past Wednesday would have been the start of a new fall semester at Sheldon Jackson College. Instead, with the exception of a shoestring staff, the campus shows little signs of life. It was also exactly two months ago that staff and faculty were terminated without notice. To date, they have not received the severance and vacation pay promised to them. Students would not be notified of the decision for weeks, and many still do not know where, or if, they will be attending college this fall. To put it bluntly, the quick decision to suspend operations and nearly every related subsequent action on the part of the College has been mishandled. The results are tragic, and I feel a profound sense of loss as college students return to campuses across the country – everywhere but here.
This upcoming Wednesday, the Board of Trustees will meet on campus. I encourage everyone with a vested interest in the fate of Sheldon Jackson College – in essence, all of us – to attend.
This past Wednesday would have been the start of a new fall semester at Sheldon Jackson College. Instead, with the exception of a shoestring staff, the campus shows little signs of life. It was also exactly two months ago that staff and faculty were terminated without notice. To date, they have not received the severance and vacation pay promised to them. Students would not be notified of the decision for weeks, and many still do not know where, or if, they will be attending college this fall. To put it bluntly, the quick decision to suspend operations and nearly every related subsequent action on the part of the College has been mishandled. The results are tragic, and I feel a profound sense of loss as college students return to campuses across the country – everywhere but here.
This upcoming Wednesday, the Board of Trustees will meet on campus. I encourage everyone with a vested interest in the fate of Sheldon Jackson College – in essence, all of us – to attend.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Student: ask for your founder's day awards
Students, (specifically those in the teach out) make sure that you ask that SJ honor your Founder's Day awards if you received one this past spring. Because you are part of a teach-out, you are an SJ student. As a result, you are entitled to the award. During the audio conference, President Dobler stated that any award that was made from a restricted fund could be used by the student. Virtually ALL Founder's Day awards are restricted funds. So get what's coming to you.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Board of Trustees denies housing relief for staff and faculty
Word has it, and the meeting minutes should confirm it, that the Board of Trustees voted down a motion by Board member Monte Wilson to delay raising rents for on campus staff and faculty. Monte has since resigned from the Board.
By my best estimate, the College receives approximately 12 to 15k per month in rent. An increase of even 25% (which would be extreme) would only yield an additional 3 to 4k per month, or 36 to 40k per year. And of course, many folks will be moving off campus, thus lowering the monthly revenue now being collected.
So for perhaps as little as 30k annually, the Board chose to continue with its plan to raise the rents of the same folks who they also laid off with no notice and no health benefits. But hey, in just 200 short years, that 30k would pay off the 6 million dollar debt SJ owes. So it was the only logical thing to do, after all.
By my best estimate, the College receives approximately 12 to 15k per month in rent. An increase of even 25% (which would be extreme) would only yield an additional 3 to 4k per month, or 36 to 40k per year. And of course, many folks will be moving off campus, thus lowering the monthly revenue now being collected.
So for perhaps as little as 30k annually, the Board chose to continue with its plan to raise the rents of the same folks who they also laid off with no notice and no health benefits. But hey, in just 200 short years, that 30k would pay off the 6 million dollar debt SJ owes. So it was the only logical thing to do, after all.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Employees Unite!
Employees of SJ are still reeling from the news of the school's closure. While the Board of Trustees would characterize it differently, we're all out of work, and students will not be enrolled come fall, so whatever.
We've been attending meeting sessions held by the Department of Labor and Sitka's Job Center to figure out our next steps. It's a terribly confusing process, and frustrating.
One thing strikes me though - we must stand together during this time. We've yet to receive official notice of termination, information about severance (if any), vacation pay, etc. We are entitled to such things, and together, should advocate for what is owed. Many of us still have outstanding reimbursements as well. For years we paid our own way to meetings, conferences, trainings, etc. and risk not being repaid.
A line is going to form once assets are liquidated. Where will we stand in line, if we don't stand together? I feel very strongly, that we should be compensated first. Who's with me?
We've been attending meeting sessions held by the Department of Labor and Sitka's Job Center to figure out our next steps. It's a terribly confusing process, and frustrating.
One thing strikes me though - we must stand together during this time. We've yet to receive official notice of termination, information about severance (if any), vacation pay, etc. We are entitled to such things, and together, should advocate for what is owed. Many of us still have outstanding reimbursements as well. For years we paid our own way to meetings, conferences, trainings, etc. and risk not being repaid.
A line is going to form once assets are liquidated. Where will we stand in line, if we don't stand together? I feel very strongly, that we should be compensated first. Who's with me?
Sheldon Jackson College suspends academic programs
From the official press release, June 29, 2007: The Board of Trustees of historic Sheldon Jackson College has decided to suspend academic operations for one year while school officials consult with government, community and educational leaders in Alaska to determine a financially viable future for the 130-year-old school.
The news must have been a shock for many, though more shocking to me (an employee) was the fact that I (and all 100+ employees, and 100+ students) were given absolutely NO notice. As of this post (July 9, 2007) students have yet to receive any notice in writing, and have less than six weeks to find, apply for, and relocate to a new institution. Staff and faculty were told on a Friday afternoon that that was their LAST DAY. Health insurance benefits were terminated AT THAT MOMENT, and campus housing rates are being increased to "full market value" September 1st.
Unconscionable.
So what is to become of SJC? In the coming months, we're likely to see college real estate sold off, with the periphery of the campus going first. I'll bet my unemployment check that the SMC duplexes, Jeff Davis houses, Family Housing Apartments, and Lincoln Street lots are at the top of the list.
I sincerely hope that I am wrong.
However, the College owes approximately $6,000,000.00 to its debtors, and the ENTIRE campus is held as collateral. What's an out-of-business institution to do? I've created this blog to track the movements of the College and Trustees. Stay tuned...
The news must have been a shock for many, though more shocking to me (an employee) was the fact that I (and all 100+ employees, and 100+ students) were given absolutely NO notice. As of this post (July 9, 2007) students have yet to receive any notice in writing, and have less than six weeks to find, apply for, and relocate to a new institution. Staff and faculty were told on a Friday afternoon that that was their LAST DAY. Health insurance benefits were terminated AT THAT MOMENT, and campus housing rates are being increased to "full market value" September 1st.
Unconscionable.
So what is to become of SJC? In the coming months, we're likely to see college real estate sold off, with the periphery of the campus going first. I'll bet my unemployment check that the SMC duplexes, Jeff Davis houses, Family Housing Apartments, and Lincoln Street lots are at the top of the list.
I sincerely hope that I am wrong.
However, the College owes approximately $6,000,000.00 to its debtors, and the ENTIRE campus is held as collateral. What's an out-of-business institution to do? I've created this blog to track the movements of the College and Trustees. Stay tuned...
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