Representatives from Lehigh Carbon Community College delivered good news to the Parkland School Board at a recent meeting.

Interim President Dr. Ann Bieber and Interim Vice President for Finance and Facilities Brian Kahler reported Parkland's share of the LCCC operating and capital budget will decrease by $57,635 or 4.7 percent.

Based on a five-year average of 590.9 full-time equivalent student enrollment, Parkland's portion of the LCCC operating budget will be $660,263 for the 2014-15 term.

Derived from its $7 billion dollar market value, Parkland's share of the capital debt service and lease budget will be $518,847.

The combined amount of LCCC commitment from Parkland will be $1,179,110.

Bieber said LCCC officials worked hard to keep costs down for sponsoring school districts.

"We recognize the challenges you have," Bieber said. "We are looking at new ways of increasing enrollment and tuition to increase revenue."

Kahler reported enrollment reached its peak in 2009-10.

"It is a constant challenge for enrollment just to retain the status quo," Kahler said. "It's a very competitive environment. Colleges across the country have a downturn in enrollment."

Parkland Business Manager John Vignone noted the college had some bond issues which paid off, and they applied the savings to the sponsoring school districts' allocations.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak reported Parkland board and staff vetted the proposed LCCC budget at a committee meeting.

"The administration is supportive of approval of the LCCC budget," Sniscak said. "It is a document which is easy to understand."

The board voted to accept the LCCC budget.