2009 PSD Additional Information
From Extension Collaborative Wiki
6. Include any additional information you would like to share with the group
Georgia
Budget concerns continue to affect staffing in Georgia. Winter School for 2009 was cancelled and discussions are taking place about options for 2010 training. This presents a challenge to the organization.
A large number of county faculty, including several county coordinators, opted for early retirement in March leaving a many counties with vacancies. Several county agents, including many with limited experience, have been assigned interim county coordinator duties. A second VERA is planned for October, 2010 with more expected to leave. The focus is on developing strategies for providing support to our remaining faculty.
South Carolina - Clemson University
There are seven Extension Program Teams in the state. Some 27 Extension professionals across all program areas will retire effective June 30th. Budget cuts resulted in the annual meeting and in-service training being cancelled in 2009 and may be cancelled for 2010.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
ACES has also seen a drastic decrease in state appropriations (23.4% over a two year period). Operating budgets for program leaders have been reduced 10% and hiring has slowed down dramatically unless the position is funded by extramural sources. We have also seen an increase in the amounts needed for both employee and retiree benefits. We are also looking internally to determine if adjustments, realignments and other changes will be utilized to ensure relevancy and financial well being. This includes an increased focus on training and focused efforts on extramural funding. We will also begin to review ways to utilize user fees and volunteers is a broader way.
Louisiana--LSU AgCenter
Like most other states in the Southern Region, Louisiana has had a year of substantial budget cuts including both a midyear cut and an end of the year cut. Cuts for 2010 and 2011 are projected to be even deeper. As one budget-cutting measure, the LSU AgCenter offered a retirement incentive for those eligible for retirement. As a result of that incentive, 59 faculty and staff members will be retiring by November 13 of this year. A major challenge for the organization will be positioning itself to continue to meet the needs of stakeholders and be true to our mission while adjusting to such a devastating cut to the workforce.
