MHCC makes cuts for budget

MHCC’s ongoing effort to reduce its budget deficit has cost four campus managers their jobs.

According to an email sent Tuesday by MHCC President Michael Hay, the college has eliminated the positions of “the Manager of Benefits and Payroll Systems, held by Debbie Leingang; Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management, held by David Minger; Manager of Advising, Retention and Testing Services, held by Luis Juarez; and Manager of Custodial Services, held by Lance Belnap.”

In the email, Hay said the terminations were made for Mt. Hood to “continue to be our students’ best source for education, training and enrichment,” and that despite efforts to find financial solutions, the reality is that the college must make difficult but necessary strategic changes.

Hay indicated the staff cuts fit within a deficit-reduction plan. There are more structural staff changes to come, he cautioned.

Gale Blessing, MHCC director of human resources, labor negotiations and safety, was unavailable for comment before print deadline.

For Blessing’s answers about the changes, please see the updated story at www.advocate-online.net.