In addition to its other problems involving Lu Hardin, who resigned as president under fire last month, the University of Central Arkansas has been forced to cut operating expenditures, particularly on scholarships, under pressure from the state Department of Higher Education.
DHE Director Jim Purcell and Deputy Director Steve Floyd met with UCA administrators earlier this year, concerned about UCA operating deficits, and urged the University to make corrections.
UCA Interim President Tom Courtway said that UCA had responded by reducing scholarship expenditures by about $3.5 million from the roughly $20 million it had been spending, and by making other adjustments to operating expenditures. He said that Paul McLendon, UCA vice president for financial services, had assured him that that UCA would not have a deficit for the fiscal year that ended June 30. The audit for that year is underway now.
Courtway said that UCA had shown an operating deficit of about $1 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2006, and about $5 million for the year that ended June 30, 2007. He said much of the deficit resulted from the fact that the state funding formula for colleges and universities lagged behind expenses when an institution was growing rapidly, as UCA has been in recent years. A $1.5 million award made against UCA by the state Claims Commission because of an automobile accident also contributed to the $5 million deficit, Courtway said.
Pizza coming
U.S. Pizza's shop at 2814 Kavanaugh closed Sunday in anticipation of reopening about a block away in a remodeled Masonic lodge on Kavanaugh. A spokesman said at press time that the opening was tentatively scheduled for Wednesday. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Since then, the Times has learned that it may be later than Wednesday.) The remodeling of the building for the restaurant has been in progress more than two years.
School board wrinkle
Early voting in school elections began this week and one to watch might be the Zone 1 race in Little Rock between incumbent Katherine Mitchell and Dr. Lee C. Nayles. Nayles has withdrawn from the race, but too late for his name to be removed from the ballot. So he still could be elected. If he took the oath of office and then resigned, the School Board would choose a successor. Since the Board has been split along racial lines on most votes, that could produce a tie vote among the remaining six members. Then the job would go to the Quorum Court.This conversation is mostly academic. But there's a quiet campaign to encourage votes against Mitchell.
More by Arkansas Times Staff
-
Friday's headlines and your holiday open line
What happened at the State Board of Education and what does it mean; Legislation filed for Hutchinson's government reorganization plan; Pediatric flu-related death in Arkansas reported; Suspect arrested in unsolved 2008 North Little Rock homicide.
- Dec 21, 2018
-
New episode of Rock the Culture: "Juice In Your Own Life"
In this week’s episode, Charles and Antwan provide perspective and conversation on the Little Rock Mayoral Election and State Board of Education’s consideration of the anticipated request to waive the Fair Teacher Dismissal Act. In addition, Charles and Antwan discuss all things happening in the Little Rock School District with Superintendent Michael Poore.
- Dec 11, 2018
-
End of the week headlines and your open line
Alderman candidate misses chance to cast deciding vote for himself in runoff election; Dem-Gaz to phase out print delivery in El Dorado, Camden and Magnolia; Rapert threatens UA Fort Smith over 'Drag Queen Story Time' event; The Van seeks to raise $35,000 in three weeks for new warehouse facility in South Little Rock.
- Dec 7, 2018
- More »
Site Index
News
Cover Story / Arkansas Reporter / The Week That Was / The Observer / Editorial / Max Brantley / Ernest Dumas / Gene Lyons / Jay Barth / Words / Guest Writer / Letters
Entertainment
A&E Feature / To-Do List / In Brief / Movie Reviews / Music Reviews / Theater Reviews / A&E News / Art Notes / Media / Dining Reviews / Dining Guide / Calendar / Gallery Listings
Latest in The Insider
Most Viewed
-
Kathy Webb wants to talk about the ‘good things’ happening in Little Rock
As Kathy Webb enters her fifth year as Ward 3 city director her priorities include improving public safety; working to reduce poverty, hunger and homelessness; and making Little Rock a more sustainable city. One of Webb’s greatest concerns is the way in which the public image of the Little Rock School District impacts its students and teachers.
Most Recent Comments
-
Re: They're on a roll, in fishnet
spank alley penalty. (The penalty requires a skater to skate through a line of men…
- on January 17, 2019
-
Re: Mental health cuts stir controversy
Please dont delete this post; I believe people should know from personal experience what the…
- on January 16, 2019
-
Re: Kathy Webb wants to talk about the ‘good things’ happening in Little Rock
I am so proud and honored to call this incredible woman a friend.
-
on January 15, 2019
This Week's Cover
Quick Links
Special Publications
RSS
Facebook
Twitter