Board plans for upcoming year with budget, law school

Budget changes look at school projects coming in ëover-bidí

The JMU Board of Visitors unanimously approved proposed changes to the annual state budget at its meeting last Friday.

Changes to the biannual budget approved last year arose because "schools are experiencing their projects coming in overbid," said Charlie King, senior vice president for administration and finance.

King explained that the Virginia General Assembly constructs a biannual budget, but reapportions funds every year to meet changing needs throughout the state. Schools throughout Virginia with continuing construction and development projects are seeing costs exceed expectations, King said.

The Board also approved budget amendments to cover the difference between the governor’s recommended funding and JMU’s requests. Part of the funding difference would cover the money required to increase faculty salaries. Once funded, the four-year plan will bring JMU faculty to the 60 percentile of their peer group, King said.

President Linwood Rose recognized football coach Mickey Matthews and the national championship-winning football team.

"It was a great run," Matthews said. "The stars lined up just right for us. … It was a great night to be wearing purple.

"Last year, a lot of people wanted to get rid of me. We’re [at the top] and we’re intent on staying there."

The Duke Dog also was recognized for his shutout victory in the 11-week Capital One Mascot Challenge.

Development Committee chairman Stephen Leeolou told the Board that JMU is facing a fund-raising shortfall.

"We are running behind last year’s fund raising," Leeolou said. "This will not be a lay-up year for fund raising." Leeolou said consultants have been brought in to help fundraising efforts, but raising adequate funds should not be a problem.