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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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?