College board approves Imperial campus expansion bid, new contract for teachers

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- The Mid-Plains Community College board of governors approved a three-year contract for audits, a bid for Imperial Community Campus expansion and a new contract with instructors Wednesday night.

The board also learned that the college ranks at the top for student success as compared to peer institutions.

After a short executive session, the board approved a combined one-year negotiated agreement with the Mid-Plains Education Association and Mid-Plains Vocational Education Association for the 2020-21 contract year.

It provides a total compensation increase of 4%.

A low bid of $1.4 million for expansion and remodeling of the Imperial campus was accepted from Dowhower Construction, and a contract with Dana F. Cole and Co. LLP was approved for the college’s yearly financial, uniform guidance and FTE/REU audits.

The maximum fees will be $28,500 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, $29,400 for 2021 and $30,300 for 2022.

Mid-Plains Community College is high among peer community colleges for enrollment and retention, according to Dr. Brian Obert, area dean of student life. He told the governors that MPCC earned the position with a 48% graduation rate and 22% transfer-out rate, which bring its community college success rate to 70%. MPCC’s community college success rate combined with its graduation rate rank it in the top 5% in the nation among two-year public colleges in the U.S., he said.

Upon hearing no further business, the Board moved to adjourn at 8:03 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 25 in North Platte.