Henry Ford College Cuts 14 Positions While Trimming Budget

Henry Ford Community College will operate with a leaner staff for the 2013-2014 fiscal year following the first round of employee layoffs approved by the college's Board of Trustees on Monday.

The board voted 7-0 to send layoff notices to 14 employees in both administrative and faculty positions effective June 30.

Layoffs include: Gail Conte (grant coordinator), Douglas Freed (director of admissions and recruiting), T. Allen Gigliotti (director of buildings and grounds), Jeffrey Livermore (associate dean, Technology Division), Susan Lohmann (Center for Lifelong Learning manager), Barbara Lukasiewicz (library director), Roger Maki-Schramm (systems manager for financial aid), Lisa Masi (manager of Registration and Records), Joshua Osborn (Biology lab manager), Serhiy Pasishnyk (chemistry lab manager), Ann Prenger (Center for Lifelong Learning director), Edward Wallish (Auxiliary Services coordinator).

Two other positions will also be eliminated, however they were not included on the board's June 17 agenda for approval.

Dr. Cynthia Eschenburg, director of Human Resources at HFCC, said the layoffs will save the college approximately $2.2 million in salaries and benefits.

The college is currently facing a $16.6 million shortfall for the 2013-14 fiscal year, however through savings and revenue, it has been able to reduce that deficit to $6.5 million.

"These cuts were not targeted at a specific group. Obviously we would love to have another year to think this through even more. It has been considered very carefully. We're not letting anyone go with a cavalier attitude or without thinking about the decision a lot. These decisions are very painful for everyone," HFCC president Stan Jensen said. 

"We face a tough road ahead, and it will take all of us," he said. "It will not be without pain, but we want to get to a budget that is sustainable."

Prior to the vote, Elizabeth Preston, financial aid specialist and Local 71 Union representative addressed the board.

"The members of Local 71 are cognizant that there is a severe financial problem at the college. We're willing to help and do whatever we can to mitigate the hemorrhaging that's going on, however we're concerned with the drastic reduction of our numbers. A reduction of this magnitude affects student services, customer service and the success out students will obtain," Preston said.

In particular, Preston said she feels cuts to the Records and Registration Office will have a crippling effect on the college.

"That office is already understaffed. To have a department's staff cut in half is a huge concern and it leads to a great deal of fear and uncertainty," she said.

David Cunningham, president of HFCC Local 71, echoed Preston's comments.

"It's a sad day in the history of the college," Cunningham said. "In the wake of the college's financial troubles we're forced to say goodbye to friends and colleagues. These people have dedicated their professional lives to this institution and now face an uncertain future. These are people who toiled long after the eight-hour work day in pursuit of superior support to both students and staff."

Cunningham said with the cuts, HFCC stands to lose a combined 132 years of service experience.

"Those of us who are still here are left to wonder how we can continue to support the college's mission?" he said.

Eschenburg said while the bulk of layoffs occurred at Monday's meeting, the college will continue to look at cost-savings measures to reduce the $6.5 deficit.

"We're hoping that there won't be many more layoffs," she said.

Jensen said he is meeting with HFCC faculty members for a college-wide planning session today at 3 p.m. to continue discussions on the 2013-2014 budget.