Classes started this week at Parkland College in Champaign. The community college has seen a slow, steady decline in enrollment over the last decade. 

Higher education has been one of the most notable victims of the Illinois budget impasse, which is nearing two years. So, it's unusual to hear Parkland College president Tom Ramage talk about growth amid that backdrop.

Some of the candidates seeking seats on the Parkland College Board of Trustees admit further budget cuts may have to be considered amid a nearly two-year state budget impasse. Tuition hikes, the future of Parkland's sports programs, and the viability of having some four-year degree programs were also among the topics discussed among the community college's ten Board of Trustees candidates Monday night. 

Administrators at Parkland College in Champaign are recommending the layoffs of a number of non-tenured faculty at the end of the school year. The news comes via a mass e-mail from Parkland President Tom Ramage, who says he can't be sure the state will provide any funding for community colleges in the coming year. The cuts are expected to be part of a November 16 Board of Trustees meeting.

Parkland College President Tom Ramage says nine positions will be cut next week, once the community college completes a voluntary separation program that's yielded $1 million in savings. He sent a mass e-mail to staff Thursday.  The annoucement comes days after Parkland Trustees approved an 11-percent tuition hike.