MCC ups tuition; spends it fast

Wasn't it just last week that McHenry County College announces a substantial tuition increase?

The trustees didn't even have the fortitude to wait a week to announce a make-over at the college and plans to blow $3,500,000, so the campus will be prettier. New President Vicky Smith told the Northwest Herald, "The renovation project ... will send a message to the community about the quality programs we offer."

Tell me, please. How does removing the columns from the commons area do that?

And a new on-campus culinary arts center? They currently have a deal with Woodstock District 200 to use its kitchen center at the almost-new Woodstock North High School. They are going to pull out of that? Does MCC own the kitchen equipment there, or did D200 cough up the $$$ to lure MCC there? What will D200 do with that kitchen equipment now?

I definitely did not like the secret Wish List that MCC has for future projects. That cannot be in compliance with Open Meetings Act or FOIA. Has the Northwest Herald already submitted a FOIA Request for the project list?

The public needs to get a big stopper and plug the drain at MCC until they reveal the plans for this public institution. The days of flying under the radar are over! President Smith referred to "... three items she could not discuss..." Sorry, but no pass! You get an F on Transparency.

Does MCC provide an education, or is there some empire-building going on there on U.S. 14?