Design for Big Bend building still under discussion

MOSES LAKE — Architects are still working on design options for the new professional-technical program building at Big Bend Community College.

The design became the subject of a community meeting in late November, after it looked like at least one program, aviation mechanics, might be better served by staying in its current location at the edge of Grant County International Airport. The new building will be built across the street from the ATEC building on Bolling Avenue. There’s not enough room at the new site for the planes that have been donated to the aviation mechanics program, which include a four-engine passenger jet.

Trustee Jon Lane asked about an update on the design during the regular meeting Monday. Big Bend president Terry Leas said it’s still in the planning stages and it was too early for a report.

In other business, a project to remodel the student services offices and an entrance in the administration building is almost complete. Linda Schoonmaker, vice-president of finance and administration, said employees are starting to move back into the new offices.

Big Bend vice-president Kim Garza reported the increase in the minimum wage, set to go into effect Jan. 1, will have an impact on about 200 positions at the college, both part-time hourly and students working part-time. In answer to a question from Lane, Schoonmaker said college officials don’t know yet how much it will cost.

Garza said whatever it costs the college won’t receive any additional money from the state, and college officials have to figure out to pay for it.

Garza reported Sherry Donovan has been hired as a new instructor in the college’s nursing program, replacing Amber Bravo. Big Bend officials are looking for a new residence hall director, Garza said.

LeAnne Parton, director of the Big Bend Community College Foundation, reported tickets for a raffle for a donated Harley-Davidson motorcycle should be available before the end of December. The winner of the bike will be drawn during the annual Cellarbration fundraiser in May.

The foundation awarded seven $1,000 scholarships for winter quarter, made possible by a scholarship that wasn’t used by the student who first received it. College officials kept $3,000 from the scholarship for students in emergency situations.