Board approves added fee for computerized math course
by KC Jones, reporter

    A $75 fee for students of computerized remedial mathematics courses was approved at last week’s TCC board of trustees meeting.

    Although the fee would add to the students’ total bill, computerized math courses do not require books, which normally cost $85-95.

    Research has shown some students overcome math difficulties with computerized instruction. Lou Ann Mahaney, NE mathematics chair, has instructed many remedial math students in her campus’ computerized classroom.

    “Students enjoy the computerized math so much they don’t want to leave when class is over,” she said.

    The trustees also considered the possibility of refinancing district debt. Matthew Boles of Dain Rausher Investment Banking reported on current trends. Because of national market conditions that have lowered bond rates to 4.42 percent, refinancing the current bonds of 5.85 percent will save the district over a million dollars before the debt payoff scheduled in 2015, Boles said.

    “Our suggestion is to take advantage of the market conditions and reduce debt. This is similar to a homeowner refinancing a mortgage,” he said.

    Dr. Leonardo de la Garza, chancellor, agreed with the importance of looking over the opportunity. The last time the debt was refinanced was in 1996.

    “The ultimate goal is a savings to the tax payers,” he said.

    The chancellor reported that trustee redistricting committee members have been named. Otto Vera, Clay Berry Jr., Bob Brown and Jimmy Madison will join David Pillow, Kristen Vandergriff and Ben Morrison, who participated in the 1991 committee.

    Census refiguring is projected by August for new boundaries that will be submitted to the Justice Department.

    In other action, the board considered tax increment financing for Dell Computers. Dell is looking for another site to build a facility that would employ approximately 1,000 people. The site under consideration encompasses 25,000 acres of land near I-35 and Highway 287 in Southwest Fort Worth. TCC may join other local taxing entities in exempting Dell from particular taxes in order to bring the company to Fort Worth.

    Dell has expressed a desire to use TCC facilities to train its new employees. De la Garza said the involvement with Dell would be a big plus for TCC.

    “We are the training arm for business and industry in Tarrant County. We supply their education and expect strong participation from Dell and others,” he said.

    TCC has facilities across the county to aid in training and education. Not only are there four main campuses, but there are 17 other locations set up for assistance, de la Garza said. Over 60 business locations are served through corporate services, contributing as educational resources by providing countywide access to learning from TCC.

    Trustees were shown a display of alternative fuel vehicles, including a drag racer that runs on methanol and a Honda that runs on compressed natural gas. Compressed natural gas is popular with government fleets such as the postal service.

    The presentation was sponsored by the South Campus automotive alternative fuels continuing education program. The program is part of the applied sciences and automotive repair program. South Campus is one of 21 national training centers that overview alternative fuels.

    De la Garza announced that Susan Hammons, public relations and marketing director, had received the Paragon Award. Ranking first place, the department was recognized for its achievements in radio promotions for TCC campuses.

    The Board then adjourned to a closed meeting.

    The next TCC board of trustees meeting will be Wednesday, May 16, at 5:30 p.m. at the May Owen Center. Usually held on Thursdays, this meeting has been moved to coincide with graduation ceremonies.

    Following the meeting, board members and college administrators will walk to the Fort Worth Convention Center to participate in graduation ceremonies, which will begin at 7 p.m.