Board hears update on Sussex County Community College leadership, trustees vacancies

The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners received updates on Sussex County Community College during the Feb. 13 meeting, including remarks about the college’s new interim president and changes on the board of trustees.

Commissioners said they met with Dr. Corey Homer, the college’s interim president, who presented priorities for capital projects and operations. Commissioner Henderson and Director Carney said they invited Dr. Homer to return for a future budget meeting so he could present the college budget from his perspective.

Commissioner Henderson congratulated Herb Yardley and Dr. Liz Silverthorn on their recent appointments as chair and vice chair of the college’s board of trustees. Commissioners also noted there have been recent trustee resignations and that the county is seeking applicants to fill vacancies.

"We are looking for people," Director Carney said, noting the county expects to advertise openings in local papers and that the search committee will screen applicants and recommend candidates. Commissioners encouraged interested residents to submit resumes; the county reported two openings on the board at the time of the Feb. 13 meeting.

A member of the public who identified herself as affiliated with the college urged patience during the governance transition and said the college would move toward greater budget transparency under the new leadership.

What’s next: Commissioners said they will schedule a combined budget meeting with the college and the technical school and that Dr. Homer will be invited to present the college budget at that meeting. The county is accepting applications for trustee vacancies; the search committee will manage candidate review and recommendations.