Flathead Valley Community College trustees got a mix of good and bad news at their January meeting.

The good news was that 100 percent of the students trained in the surgical technology program passed their national certification examinations, compared to a national average of 52 percent.

The bad news was a drop in enrollment has impacted the college's budget.

President Jane Karas addressed the college's Dec. 31 budget analysis that showed a revenue shortfall of $528,000 including $187,000 in reduced state dollars and a $341,000 shortfall in tuition and fees. However, the analysis showed an anticipated savings in expenses of more than $1 million for a surplus of around $580,000 as of Dec. 31 .

Karas said the college has saved money through unfilled adjunct instructor positions. The report shows $483,709 remaining after anticipated expenses in salaries, $211,513 left in benefits and $569,188 left in operating expenses.

The expense side showed the college spent $159,728 more than budgeted in fee waivers granted to students who finished in the top 10 percent of their high school classes. Karas said students receive the waiver for the first year but must maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average to qualify for the fee waiver the second year.

The idea was to attract high-achieving students. However, the surge in students using the program may lead to changes in qualifications.

"We will be reviewing the fee waiver," Karas said.

Every two years, the college makes projections of expected enrollment for the biennial budget prepared by the governor and approved by the Legislature. Karas said earlier that the college used very conservative numbers because of expected declines in students after the surges in recent years.

When unemployment rises, the community college enrollment historically goes up. Many displaced workers have now finished their retraining provided by federal funds, and that impacts the college numbers.

"Our enrollment is down even below our projections," Karas said.

The president said the budget took into account only fall enrollment numbers. Official spring semester numbers are expected next month.

If the numbers of students end up below the numbers used in budget projections, the college must return those dollars to the state next year.

In other action at the meeting, the board of trustees:

• Accepted comprehensive outcomes that represent its mission fulfillment and core themes developed for upcoming accreditation visits and procedures.

• Approved a 27-credit certificate program in "non-destructive testing" to satisfy training requirements for a welding certification exam. The addition required no additional courses, equipment or staff.

• Accepted the recommendation to grant sabbatical leave to payroll accounting instructor Ronnie Laudati.

During the president's report, Karas announced the college has raised more than $560,000 in gifts and pledges towards the $1 million needed to match $4 million donated for the new nursing/health building. She also reported that enrollment has doubled in the Running Start program that allows high school students to earn college credits.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.