College from Volusia County for the institutions cooperation during emergency situations.
By Thomas Lynn
Daytona State College president Carol Eaton smiles for the camera while accepting a check for $10,000 from Frank Bruno, Volusia County Government Chairman.
The check is a payment to the College in thanks for the services DSC provides to the county of Volusia. More specifically to the assistance they give with TV station 15 and its use as an emergency broadcast system. When there is an emergency in Volusia County, such as a fire or a hurricane, the Volusia Government will contact and use DSC resources to deliver information to the public. This partnership, formed 25 years ago, has mutual appreciation from each party.
“I only wish it had a few more zeros behind it,” said Bruno, referring to the money as a reflection of the agreement between the two agencies on emergency management. DSC is an insurance policy, said Bruno, and for the County to have the College’s support against disasters is a huge asset.
DSC also received over $16 million from the State government. This money drew up controversy after it was announced by the state government that the College might not receive their full government funding. Florida Governor, Rick Scott, proposed a tightening of the state budget and DSC Board of Trustee’s worried this proposal would cause head-aches for future College renovation projects. Fortunately, DSC was exempt from any veto of state funding. President Eaton identified that every cent has a purpose for the enhancement of facilities across the College.
“I’m practically jumping out of my skin over here with pure delight,” said Eaton before listing off the amount of money each site will be given. The Flagler Palm Coast Classroom Building will receive $7.6 million that entails a new student services classroom center building that will collect $2.4 million and a renovation for site improvement that will obtain $1.8 million. The newly expanded writing center will collect an additional $1 million.
“I think things were hanging by a thread there,” said Eaton, “but, indeed, our money really influences the future of this institution.”
In addition to money going to help update facilities, three lawsuits against DSC needed money for settlements. In total, the three suits will cost the College more than $650,000.
DSC breached its contract with KinderCare Learning Centers in 2008 by failing to renew their lease after a 20-year contract expired. The lawsuit will be settled with a renewal of a two, five-year term lease at $325,000. In 2010, Kathleen Flanagan filed a lawsuit against the College for sexual harassment and discrimination at DSC’s television station. Flanagan claimed to have been inappropriately approached by Susan Johnson, Flanagan’s “direct female supervisor” at WDSC. The lawsuit was settled at $306,500.
President Eaton made a statement regarding the final suit, filed by three disgruntled students about the failure of the College to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities — primarily the deaf. DSC disagrees with the allegations, Eaton said. Although the College could find “no merit whatsoever in the claims,” a settlement of $40,000 was agreed too. The students filling the suit said that it wasn’t about the money but about accommodations being provided to those who need it.