No Tuition Increase, Employee Pay Raises In New EFSC Budget

No tuition increase for students for the 12th straight year and pay raises for faculty and staff are the highlights of the new fiscal year budget at Eastern Florida State College.

The $89.2 million plan for Fiscal Year 2023-24 was unanimously approved Monday by the college’s Board of Trustees. It goes into effect July 1.

“I’m confident the budget will accomplish our mission and also keep us on sound financial footing. We will do it by staying focused and living within our means in a fiscally smart way,” said EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey.

Trustee Winston Scott praised the budget and the college’s direction, saying, “In my experience on both corporate and non-profit boards, Eastern Florida is one of best run organizations I have ever seen.”
 
Key elements of the budget include:
 
• No tuition increase for students for the 12th straight year, which corresponds to the time Richey has been EFSC’s president.
 
The total for tuition and general fees will remain $104 per credit hour for lower division courses for Florida residents.
 
The per credit hour charge for upper division courses for Florida residents will remain $128.51, which is similar to other institutions in the 28-member Florida College System of which Eastern Florida is a member.
 
“We strive to keep college education affordable and this shows our continued commitment to that goal. It is making a huge difference for our students and is something I’m personally proud of as president,” said Richey.
 
• A 2-percent raise plus $1,000 for each faculty member in the third year of a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the United Faculty of Florida Brevard Chapter.
 
“Our faculty are second to none whether teaching in the classroom or online. They’re the backbone of the college and deserve our strong support,” said Richey.
 
Adjunct faculty will also receive an additional 3-percent raise in compensation for each class they teach.
 
• A 3-percent pay increase in base salary for all full-time and regular part-time non-probationary staff, the third straight year they have received a 3-percent pay hike.
 
Staff will start seeing the additional money in their July paycheck in what Richey called “recognition of their dedication and professionalism.”
 
The college will also continue paying 100 percent of the premium cost for their base individual health plans, something Richey termed “a unique benefit that’s essential to helping us retain our excellent staff,” said Richey.
 
The budget fully funds all academic programs and includes cost savings such as not filling unneeded vacant positions.
 
The budget benefited from $4.8 million in additional funds above last year’s appropriation from the Florida Legislature.
 
“Our Florida leaders, with our governor leading the way, are incredibly supportive of the Florida College System and specifically our college. I’m very grateful for all their assistance,” said Richey. 
 
For information on the college’s academic programs, visit easternflorida.edu.

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