LFA President Tobin F. Terry presented trustees with this message prior to the start of the November 14 board meeting in which 25 layoffs of Lakeland employees were approved in addition to 29 voluntary separation agreements.
Dear Lakeland Board of Trustees,
The Lakeland Faculty Association respectfully asks that you take more time to consider the long-term repercussions of the immense budget decisions on tonight’s agenda for several reasons.
First, Lakeland’s students will be directly and adversely affected by the potential cuts to services and staff. The elimination of student support programs and extracurricular activities can deprive students of valuable learning opportunities and social experiences. This can be especially detrimental for students from low-income families who may not have access to these opportunities outside of school.
Second, eliminating these positions reduces Lakeland’s sense of community. Cuts in services can leave students without the support they need to succeed in college and have a negative impact on students’ academic achievement, social development, and overall well-being. Cutting staff salaries and benefits and laying off support staff can send a message to students that their needs are not a priority.
Finally, students can not feel supported and cannot possibly be successful without adequate staff and services in place throughout all areas of the college. The LFA recognizes the invaluable work done by staff and administrators who work directly with students and behind the scenes. We do not support cuts that would undermine their vital work.
As email communications this week have indicated, various members of the college welcome increased transparency in financial matters. As stakeholders in Lakeland with a deep understanding of the needs of our students, the LFA has a vested interest in the success of our college and welcomes the opportunity to participate in conversations about how to address current budgetary needs.
Sincerely,
Tobin F. Terry
President of the Lakeland Faculty Association