As the nation’s economy reels, Oklahoma is one of the fortunate areas that hasn’t yet felt the full impact. Ken Layn isn’t certain how much longer that will last, but the superintendent at Red River Technology Center is pleased to know his institution won’t be feeling a heavy financial hit for a while.

During its regular November meeting, the RRTC board of education approved a budget for fiscal year 2009 that grew rather than regressed.

“We have a good budget plan put together that is pretty conservative, but with everything figured into it, the budget was up 4 percent from last year,” Layn said.

“Appropriations from the state legislature don’t come until the end of the legislative session in June, but the state appropriations came through.

“Part of the reason for that was (the Legislature) received $25 million through its program of allowing people an opportunity to pay off back taxes.”

In addition to funds from back tax payments, Layn noted, “State collections were up 8 percent since October of 2007, with sales tax, motor vehicle and gross production up a little. Federal money has continued to decrease, but because of the oil and gas industry, state revenue still came through.”

Red River Tech’s enrollment also rose during fiscal year 2008 and is up again this fall, but Layn said enrollment isn’t a key element in creation of the school’s budget.

“Enrollment is not a huge factor, because we’re funded (by the state) for programs and for the number of teachers,” he said. “We do have to stay above 55 percent of maximum enrollment to receive state funding, but we’ve been able to stay well above that.”

During the Nov. 11 meeting, Layn informed board members about a new project the school is beginning that could keep it on the cutting edge of the national trend toward renewable energy options.

During information items, Layn told board members, “We’re in the process of purchasing and installing a wind turbine, a 5 KVA system that will produce enough energy to run a normal household for a year.”

Once the turbine is installed, school personnel will gather data on the efficiency of the system. “We’re going to pump (the wind-produced energy) into our lighting system, which will offset our utility costs,” Layn said. “It will be an interesting process, and we should be able to install it next week.”

Layn and board members discussed a quarterly report from the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, which provides endowment funds to technology schools, as well as Otha Grimes Scholarships that were recently awarded. Layn said 10 RRTC students receiving a total of $2,700 in scholarship funds.

In an update on ed2go, which provides online courses through the school, Layn told board members the program continues to grow. “Our (student access) numbers were up a little bit,” he said.

During informational items, there was also discussion about a broadband lease, fire drills, a report from the Bid Assist Center (BAC) and outside groups making use of rooms at RRTC.

Earlier in the meeting, the board approved a resolution calling for an election on Feb. 10, 2009, during which a board member to represent Zone 4 will be elected. Joe Romano is the current board member from Zone 4, which covers the northeast quadrant of Duncan.

Anyone wanting to file for the position may so during the Dec. 1-3 filing period. On those days, qualified applicants may file from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Stephens County election board office at the county courthouse.

During the meeting, the board also unanimously approved:

Employing Anita Hasenmyer and Dennis Loafman as night supervisors, and Mark Condit, Don Deal and Lisa Williams as substitute night supervisors.

Employee contracts.

An annual payment of $3,424.02 to McAfee Inc., for ProtectPlus Gold SW Support software that provides computer virus protection.

A proposed budget for Career Expo 2009, to be held in January. “That’s the program in which we bring eighth-graders to the Simmons Center and to campus, and they receive information on different job opportunities from local industry and business people. We’ve always gotten good response to that program from industry and business people,” Layn noted.

Adding Ashley Walden, Sherrie Burton and Vera Budlong to the previously approved substitute teacher list for the nursing department, and Jennifer Balentine, Earnestine Mack and Robert Purnell to the previously approved substitute teacher list for all other programs.

Adding Chris Billings to the previously approved A&CD; instructor list, where he’ll teach a class added to that program.

The resignation of temporary part-time maintenance worker Landon Blalock and the employment of James Santana as Blalock’s replacement.

Employing Jimmy Walker as a full-time Adult Education & Literacy instructor.

Acknowledging board member Rodney Love had earned three continuing development points for attending an Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) workshop Oct. 3 at RRTC.

Board meeting dates for calendar year 2009.

The October 2008 Activity Fund and treasurer’s report.

General Fund change orders, warrants and encumbrances for FY ’08.

General Fund change orders, warrants and encumbrances for FY ’09.

General Fund payroll change orders, warrants and encumbrances for FY ’09.

Minutes from a regular meeting on Oct. 7.