Wichita State University is planning on a 3 percent budget cut for fiscal year 2017. The move is in response to the state budget passed Monday that includes $17 million in cuts to higher education.
WSU President John BARdo said in a message sent Thursday that the cuts should be considered permanent, saying "it’s unlikely state funding will be restored to universities in the next budget cycle."
Earlier this year Gov. Sam Brownback ordered state universities to reduce spending by about $17 million dollars through June; the new budget will continue that 3 percent reduction into the next fiscal year.
Bardo said he would like to avoid furloughs and layoffs, and continue to make student enrollment a priority. He says the university will limit spending from its general fund, require approval of new employees and review all current job postings. The university will also require executive approval of any contract spending above $5,000. The school's Innovation Campus is being funded with money designated specifically for the project and not part of the general use budget.
Kansas Board of Regents Chair Shane Bangerter said at a meeting this week that “to extend any cuts into next year would be detrimental to the future prosperity of Kansans.”
The budget bill also delays an almost-$100 million payment into the state public pension fund until 2018.
--
Follow Nadya Faulx on Twitter @NadyaFaulx.
To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
