Jenkins joins Germanna board
By Anita L. Sherman
Joining with his other colleagues on the Germanna Community College Board, new member John H. Jenkins had no qualms about the board's decision to move ahead with the Fredericksburg Area Campus Phase III project. "We really have no choice but to do it," said Jenkins of J&J Real Estate who now represents the Culpeper District. Jenkins is replacing former board chairman Jerry Raines who served for eight years.
"If we don't move now, it could be five years before we are able to revisit this much needed project," said president Dr. David Sam at last Thursday's board meeting which was held at Germanna Technology Center. Later in the meeting while showing schematics of the multi-level facility, Sam enthusiastically endorsed the board's decision to transfer $800,000 from its Unrestricted Operating Fund Balance for the project estimated to cost a little over $28 million. The state has already approved $25,761,000 but requires the college to generate roughly $2.6 of that amount. With the approved transfer of $800,000, this reduces the amount required by the college to keep the project moving forward to about $1.6 million, an amount that Sam is confident can be raised as they start active fundraising.
Board members were unanimous in their approval with assurances that if the project generated more financial support, the excess would be returned to the Unrestricted Operating Fund.
"We desperately need this building," said attorney Mike Powell who represents Madison County. The building designed by Clark Nexsen Architectural and Engineering Firm is based out of Norfolk but work will primarily be done with their Northern Virginia office. Focusing on science classes and lab space, the building will offer much needed additional classroom space as well as several community areas for students and teachers.
Enrollment at Germanna Community College has continued to climb over the past few years especially in the Fredericksburg area which has seen over a 30 percent increase from last year to now. While numbers are still unofficial, total enrollment for the school year so far is well over 7,000.