Walla Walla Community College eliminates positions, makes other staffing changes
Walla Walla Community College has announced the elimination of 10 full-time positions and reduced hours for 11 employees in response to its current funding challenges.
The college also will not refill seven vacant positions and will not renew eight part-time or temporary positions, according to a Friday, May 15, news release from the college.
No faculty positions were included in the position eliminations. Those 10 positions will end as of Tuesday, June 30.
However, spokesperson Rebecca Thorpe said the employees who occupy those positions can decide between now and then whether to use their union-guaranteed bumping rights, which means they have the right to either move into a vacant position or take the position of someone who has less seniority. So, while the 10 positions will be eliminated, it is not yet clear whether the 10 employees who have those positions will be laid off.
"These decisions are extraordinarily difficult and were not made lightly," WWCC President Chad Hickox said. "Our employees are deeply committed to students and our communities, and we recognize the personal impact these changes have on the individuals affected and the college as a whole."
The layoffs and staffing changes are a result of cost-saving efforts by the college, which has included the decision to close the Clarkston campus. The cost-saving measures are necessary because of changes to the state community and technical college funding allocation model, rising operational costs and the need to reduce its reliance on reserve funds.
The staffing and layoff decisions involved extensive review of operational needs, service models and long-term sustainability planning, according to the news release.
"These changes are necessary for long-term stability and continued service to our students and region," Hickox said. "Our mission remains unchanged. We are committed to serving students, supporting our communities, and preparing the workforce our region depends on."
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