UW-Extension's Uncertain Future, Part 2
Monday, February 1st, 2016 -- 11:24 AM
-County UW-Extension offices are beginning the first steps of reorganizing due to the $250 million budget cut to the UW-System approved by the Wisconsin Legislature.The Regional Director of the UW-Extension's Northwest Regional Office came to Clark County on Thursday of last week to speak with Extension employees and some board members of the County's Extension Committee about the proposed changes. Because of the cuts to the system, the Cooperative Extension Program is facing a $3.6 million budget deficit. The proposal heading to Extension Chancellor Cathy Sandeen would group Extension offices into multi-county offices with a reorganization of employees. Clark County would be grouped with Marathon, Wood, Portage and Waupaca.
There were many concerns brought up by the Extension employees and County Board members present. It was stated that grouping Clark with the other counties was a challenge as we are a very unique county. Another major concern brought up by an Extension employee was that Clark County will be forgotten. Being grouped with bigger counties like Marathon and Wood with their bigger cities will result in Clark County not getting the attention and focus it deserves.
There was also a concern in regards to the relationships established by Clark County's Extension Office. It was stated that when the current team took over the office, there was a poor existing relationship with the County Board. Now, however, that relationship has improved and the County Board members present agreed. They worry that if a whole new team of people are brought in, it will ruin that relationship and set things back in the county. The Regional Director present stated that other County Boards have adopted the mantra of "we'll adapt."
None of this is set in stone at this point and there are still many questions to be answered and many things to figure out. At this point, the optimistic timeline is that a decision on the reorganization will take place soon and they will begin putting committees together soon after. They hope to begin implementation by July of 2016 and most personnel changes are expected to begin by last this year or early next.
In Case You Missed It:
Part 1: http://cwbradio.com/news/?fn_mode=fullnews&fn_id=15915
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.