Terra State Community College is taking measured steps to phase back staff union employees to full-time status. Due to State of Ohio and local budget shortcomings resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, 24 staff union employees and 3 non-union staff employees were reduced to 32 hours per week and 36 staff employees had salary reductions.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education has signaled FY21 cuts to public colleges’ State Share of Instruction (SSI) will not be as deep as originally predicted. The State originally estimated a 20% cut, which has been improved to approximately 4.8%. However, the State is carefully monitoring COVID-19 developments and revenue during the economic recovery and has cautioned colleges that budget adjustments will be made as needed over the coming months.

“I would like to thank Gov. Mike DeWine and Chancellor Randy Gardner for their continued support of community colleges and the students and businesses served by the college,” said Terra State President Ron Schumacher.

Despite positive revenue indications from the State of Ohio, Terra State’s fall semester enrollment is lagging 27% compared to this time last year due to the pandemic. The college budget is based on an anticipated 20% gap. Enrollment is the largest source of revenue.