Current and former staff, along with an alumnus, urged the Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) Board of Trustees to explore options for maintaining services at its Clarkston branch during a meeting on March 25, 2024. This meeting followed a presentation on potential spending cuts needed to address a funding shortfall of approximately $4 million. The shortfall includes about $700,000 drawn from college reserves and a complete draw on revenue over the past two fiscal years, compounded by an estimated 1.5% reduction in state funding.
Board members were presented with various options, including reducing operations at the Clarkston campus to solely the nursing program, which would save approximately $1,287,983. In contrast, the complete closure of the campus would result in savings of $3,191,847. The implications of such decisions were underscored by several individuals who spoke during the meeting.
Sherri Macki, a nurse and 2020 graduate of WWCC’s nursing program, highlighted the personal impact of the Clarkston campus. “Closing this campus is not simply a matter of balancing numbers on a page. It impacts real people, real families, and the healthcare workforce in our region,” she stated.
Many speakers emphasized that for residents of the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, traveling to the main Walla Walla campus is often not feasible. Professor Lori Loseth, who holds the title of professor emeritus, remarked, “The Clarkston campus is not simply another location of Walla Walla Community College. For them, it is the most realistic path to higher education.”
The rising demand for nursing education at the Clarkston campus was noted by Debi Schoonover, a nursing program specialist. She indicated that the campus had seen more applications than in previous years, with the summer nursing assistant class nearing full capacity. “I’ve had to ask to up our cap to meet demand,” she added, underscoring the need for local educational opportunities.
The Clarkston campus serves as a crucial resource for first-generation students, working parents, and caregivers, as highlighted by Schoonover. “I ask that as you weigh these decisions, you also consider the human cost,” she implored, pointing to the potential loss of access for students and the broader implications for the community.
In a similar vein, Melany Coronado, a nursing instructor, described the significant changes the local campus has brought to many lives. “Walla Walla Community College Clarkston Campus has been instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty that many people in rural communities face,” she said, also referencing a projected nursing shortage in both Washington and Idaho by 2037. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration supports the notion of a growing challenge, affecting healthcare access for all.
Faculty member Grace Hiner warned that closing the nursing program would incur additional costs not currently accounted for, including the potential loss of clinical sites and partnerships. “Once we lose them, the ability to recover them will be almost impossible,” she cautioned, urging the board to consider the long-term consequences of their financial decisions.
Dean of the Clarkston Campus, Chad Miltenberger, refrained from advocating for specific actions but acknowledged the complexity of the situation. “There are potential legislation changes coming soon that will likely influence the decisions that are made, but currently, some of this legislation is unknown to the full extent of its impact,” he stated.
Former board member Don McQuary emphasized the need for transparency in the decision-making process. “You need to break down every course, every department, every campus,” he advised. He expressed concern that the information being provided may not be accurate or sufficient for making such significant decisions.
In light of the potential closure, Becky Mandersheid, another nursing program specialist, urged the board to consider a two-year transition period for current students to complete their studies or transfer. “A two-year teach-out would significantly limit the number of students who would be affected by the decision,” she argued.
The board is scheduled to meet again on March 25 to discuss the budget scenarios presented, with the potential for further action regarding the Clarkston campus. An all-college town hall meeting is also planned for Friday, inviting broader community engagement on this critical issue.
