A call for students to take on the responsibility of watching how STLCC budgets money.
By: Blake Brust
-Guest Contributor-
I am not one to typically get involved. I am usually the one who does what he’s told, who sits, listens and obeys. But I have come to realize that I am no longer a child. I know my rights and I know what I want in my life. A good education is on the top of my list and from it I will build the foundation for the rest of my life which is the same goal, I am sure, of many of my fellow STLCC students.
Meramec’s campus is where my life begins anew. However, just attending this school for these past two years I have seen some of the deterioration many students have become aware of. I would like to address the class cuts, one of Meramec’s most recent issues. This has been addressed many times before but I would like to explain my discoveries resulting from interviews and online research.
Because of class cuts and lower student enrollment, there has definitely been a decrease in the funds for our education but as I dug deeper, I found that is not the only reason why the school’s funds are lacking. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning about these facts to check out the “You paid for it” segments by Fox 2 News. You can find them simply on http://youtube.com and each segment does not take more than a couple minutes. These videos address some of the recent purchases of STLCC officials.
In May 2011 the administration bought a beautiful building which included an indoor waterfall, a pond, frosted glass doors and flat screen televisions. The building bought is supposed to be a corporate training center, but is yet to be filled with students. Purchasing the building was around $5.5 million (close to the amount of money they lost this year, which was around 6 million, the reason for cutting many classes). But when one combines that with the renovations they added to the school, its final cost was $7.1 million dollars.
Now why did they air this on television to the public? It was so we could be aware of where our taxpayer money is going.
Another instance is when STLCC decided to spruce up Meramec’s gym with new lighting. Then they proceeded to cut the basketball team to save money. Now we have a nice gym for our basketball players that no longer exist.
One more example from STLCC’s faulty spending is when the board of trustees spent $116,000 to hold two leadership conferences at Innsbrook Resort when they could have held them on one of the four campuses without cost. When Vice Chairman Melissa Hattman was asked about the best interest of the taxpayers she became silent.
I was shocked and confused about how I had never heard of this spending before. Now this reader knows as well, but what can we do about our classes being cancelled when the school prefers to buy pretty buildings, renovations and hold meetings that are not in the student’s or community’s best interest?
There are three different steps we can follow to begin making a change to this. That first step, and the easiest thing for a student to do, would be to research and then spread awareness. After researching these things, one would see there is a need for change. By letting their thoughts be known for STLCC’s administrative actions the concerned students can spread awareness. Have a reason to stand and give others the same reason. Tell your friends and family in the community.
A second step for change is to let your voice be heard instead of turning to teachers (who ultimately cannot do anything about the problems) and complaining about the extra expenses the school has spent. It is important to remember that they are just as upset as you are about the class cuts. A concerned taxpayer or student needs to voice their concerns to the top, as they say, the more the merrier. George Wasson, president of the Meramec Campus, is where you need to go. Let your voice be heard.
The third step to be sure we are heard: We need some type of program where the students can speak. We could consider creating a student government where the students can know of the expenses that could take place and place a vote. Members from each club could participate similar to SGC, but for the school’s policies, not just activities. That way the school can have a balance of business and what the students want.
Community Colleges are not supposed to be all business. They are made for the student to gain a valuable education and without them the school is nothing, so why not have a say in it?
As students, we have not only a right but also a responsibility to keep this a school that our friends, family or children will be able to appreciate the goodness in Meramec. My parents always taught me when I visit someone’s home to leave it in better condition than when I first arrived. This is my current home with my fellow classmates. Let us not leave it in ruins for the incoming students and teachers.
