PJC’s Regents hear report on redistricting

Published or Revised May 24, 2011

The Paris Junior College redistricting process is moving forward smoothly, according to an update to the Board of Regents Monday evening from Mike Morrison, of Morrison and Guinn. He distributed a map showing current PJC districts and one of proposed districts. "My goal with the map was not to do a 'fruit basket turnover,' but to keep each regent in their district," Morrison said. "I tried to straighten lines, along highways for instance, balance populations and not negatively impact minority populations." The Redistricting Advisory Committee met prior to the regents' meeting, and according to Morrison, "They were attentive and thoughtful." One more advisory committee meeting will be held, as well as a public hearing. In response to a regent's question, Morrison said there was no way to avoid some voters having to go to two polling places, due to the small population. In other business the Regents:

• Received the financial report from Vice President of Business Services John Eastman showing PJC's cash position is strong and expenditures are staying within or below budget.
• Accepted the bid from Lamar National Bank to be PJC's depository for the next two years.
• Heard the President's Report that there appeared to be a budget agreement by the Legislature. If this passes, PJC will take a loss, though numbers for community colleges had not yet been released, so the exact amount is unknown. Insurance funding to colleges will drop from 83 percent to 50 percent of cost. Performance funding was taken out, and it does not look like conceal carry of handguns on campus will pass.
• Set the budget workshop for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 25.
• Accepted the resignation of Associate Degree Nursing Instructor Danise Petticrew, effective Aug. 31, 2011.