December 5, 2019 

Media Contact:
Libby Siebens, community relations executive director, 509-682-6436 (Mon.-Thurs.)
Dr. Jim Richardson, president, 509-682-6400

Wenatchee Valley College announced layoffs today, following news of a $1 million projected budget deficit due to low enrollment this fall.

A total of 20 employees are being laid off, effective January 31. Of those laid off, 12 are classified union employees and eight are exempt, non-union employees. No faculty positions are affected at this time.

“Right now, the college is faced with many difficult decisions in order to be fiscally responsible and ensure the college’s success and longevity,” said WVC President Jim Richardson. “Among those difficult decisions was the one to lay off college employees. I understand this a painful time for our campus, and in no way do these layoffs reflect the quality and dedication of the employees who are affected.”

The layoffs are necessary after it became apparent this week that the $1 million projected deficit could not be addressed with furlough (leave without pay) days. At this time, 86 percent of the college’s 2019-20 operating budget is personnel costs. Exempt employees are already taking 10 furlough days before July 2020. Classified employees will take furlough days as well, following union negotiations this week with college administrators. Details are being finalized and will be announced soon. While it is uncertain if faculty will take furlough days, they continue to work together with administrators and are considering other ways to help the college budget. Another meeting with the faculty budget review task force is scheduled for Monday.

In addition to layoffs and furlough days, no vacant positions will be filled at the college without approval, which will lead to a significant decrease in new hiring.

President Richardson continues to meet with the WVC Board of Trustees, his cabinet and all employees to identify solutions for closing the budget gap.

At this time, basic college operations, classes, academic programs and student support services will continue to operate normally. However, patience is appreciated as staffing will be affected.

“We are doing everything in our power to ensure our students continue to be successful,” President Richardson said. “While many changes are coming, we are confident that WVC will continue its 80-year legacy of serving students and communities.”

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Wenatchee Valley College enriches North Central Washington by serving educational and cultural needs of communities and residents throughout the service area. The college provides high-quality transfer, liberal arts, professional/technical, basic skills and continuing education for students of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. Visit our website, wvc.edu.

Wenatchee Valley College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030, 040 and other federal and state laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint process. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance for both the Wenatchee and Omak campuses:

• To report discrimination or harassment: Title IX Coordinator, Wenatchi Hall 2322M, (509) 682-6445, title9@wvc.edu.
• To request disability accommodations: Director of Student Access, Wenatchi Hall 2133, (509) 682-6854, TTY/TTD: dial 711, sas@wvc.edu.