BROKEN BOW, Neb. (AP) — The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors approved multiple financial actions and personnel changes during its meeting Wednesday night at the college’s Broken Bow campus, following two brief public hearings on proposed property acquisitions in North Platte.
The meeting followed public comment sessions regarding the college’s planned purchase of Osgood School and a lot at 1905 Iron Eagle Court, both in North Platte.
Brad Garrick, owner of Top Tier martial arts gym currently housed in the Osgood School, expressed concerns about the purchase during the first hearing. No comments were made during the second hearing. The Board later authorized the college president to finalize both property purchases — $450,000 for Osgood School and $33,000 for the Iron Eagle Court lot — after June 13.
Board Chair Cynthia Duncan opened the regular session, with board members Kirk Crawley, Ted Klug Jr., Kim Korgan, Kent Miller and Tricia Schaffer in attendance. President Ryan Purdy and several vice presidents also provided updates. Five board members were excused.
In other action, the Board approved more than $2.3 million in April disbursements and several major expenditures, including:
- $835,950 for HVAC and electrical upgrades to the McDonald-Belton Building at North Platte Community College
- $65,832.07 for furniture replacement at McMillen Hall in McCook
- $155,000 to demolish Tipton Hall on the McCook campus
- A $521,928 contract with Elsevier Inc. for nursing education software over three years
- $724,548 to the Nebraska Community College Insurance Trust for FY 2025-26 coverage
- Athletic and catastrophic insurance totaling $115,333
The Board also approved a new six-year, $452,513.08 contract with Instructure Inc. for continued use of its Canvas Learning Management System, and set dual credit tuition at $0 for the 2025-26 school year.
Personnel decisions included 4% salary increases for non-negotiated staff, 3.75% raises for administrators, and a retirement contribution hike to 9.5%. Part-time employees received a 3% raise, and adjunct instructors will now be compensated at $975 per credit hour.
Additionally, the Board approved a new three-year contract for President Ryan Purdy, effective July 1, with a 2.5% salary increase and a 1.25% increase in retirement contribution.
The Board honored several adjunct faculty members for years of service and recognized retiring GED/ESL instructor Jane Garner with an award.
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 16 in McCook.