Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Southeast Technical Institute is dissolving a program focused on workforce development — a move not welcomed by some local business owners.
The Argus Leader reports (http://argusne.ws/1qOa3cA ) that the Sioux Falls School Board voted Thursday to approve a tentative school budget, which was balanced in part by ending funding for the Training Solutions Institute.
Mary Medema with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation says many local businesses have relied on the institute's customized training programs for their employees.
"We don't really have the resources to just create those kinds of programs from scratch internally," said Cassi Nicolai, HR and safety manager with Gage Brothers. "It was really important to us to have partners like that within the community."
Outgoing School President Jeff Holcomb says customized training will still be available, but he didn't provide details.
"If there's not a request from anyone for that training, it won't be offered," Holcomb said.
Parts of the institute confirmed to remain within the college include the commercial drivers license program and the welding program, Vice President of Finance and Operations Rich Kluin told school board members Thursday.
The school board said earlier this spring that the school needed to address a $2 million budget shortfall and layoffs were possible. Last month, the school simultaneously announced a balanced budget and Holcomb's retirement.
___
Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
