It may have reported another surplus of more than $2 million last year, but Telford Rural Polytechnic's long-term future will depend on how it can identify where it fits in the tertiary education landscape, its annual meeting heard yesterday.
Although in 2008 two new 10-room student hostels were built, and more capital works were on the 2009 list, chief executive Jonathan Walmisley said the uncertainty experienced by Telford because of tertiary education reforms would continue this year and beyond.
Telford's finances have never looked better, he said. For the second consecutive year, it has reported a net surplus of more than $2 million.
The 2007 result was $2.17 million, while the 2008 figure, for the year ending December 31, 2008, was $2.04 million, more than twice Telford's budgeted surplus of $915,743.
In his annual report, council chairman David Yardley said 2008 was a year of initial disappointment followed by consolidation as Telford worked with the Tertiary Education Commission to secure a long-term funding arrangement.
"It is most pleasing to report that 2008 has been another successful year, both academically and financially, and the institution remains in a well resourced position as we move into difficult economic times where the skills and resourcefulness of our land-based industry workforce will play a key role in its eventual recovery."
Mr Walmisley said 2008 brought its challenges. The uncertainty experienced over the last three years would continue this year, he said.
"Such uncertainty brings . . . its own challenges at the time industry stakeholders are demanding a greater level of relevant training. Our long-term future will depend on identifying our place within the network of provision."
Because of the tough economic times, council members agreed not to accept any meeting fee pay rises for themselves, and they also kept the pay of Mr Yardley at the present annual rate of $21,000.
Councillors will be paid $300 for a full day meeting and $180 for half-day meetings.
Council member Maureen Wylie thanked Telford management and staff for their efforts after the recent car crash which killed student Miemie Cloete and injured four other equine students.
Mrs Wylie said staff and management had done tremendous work in tragic circumstances.
The meeting observed a moment's silence in respect of Ms Cloete before closing.
Telford's numbers
• 400: How many full-time equivalent students were lost through tertiary education reforms introduced last year.
• 75%: The percentage of Telford students studying off-campus.
• 93.8%: The percentage of students who pass their courses.
• 83%: The percentage of students satisfied with their environment, course standards and other features of Telford.
• 8631: The number of students enrolled by Telford last year.
• 20: The total number of rooms included in two new student hostels built last year.
• $2.04 million: Telford's net surplus for the year ending December 31, 2008.
