KC eyes more Longview property
By LESTER MURRAY news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

Kilgore College trustees on Monday will consider buying more property in Longview.

Discussion will come during the board's meeting Monday evening.

Dr. Bill Holda, college president, said this property acquisition has not been discussed for very long. A piece of property adjacent to the Longview Center has been made available and is an excellent opportunity for expansion as well as a good purchase, he said.

Holda said the .55-acre tract has a 2,000 square foot building on it. "The building is in great shape and is ready for us to move in," said Holda. "New roof, new furnace, with rooms appropriate for classrooms ready to go."

The college is still negotiating a price with the owner of the property so no name or price could be released at this time.

"If everything goes well at the meeting Monday it is possible price and the name of the seller will be released at that time," said Holda.

Also on the agenda, KC is looking to shut down two of its programs - medical assisting and computer repair.

"These two programs have been looked at closely and the numbers are dwindling," said Holda. "The college is looking to offer adult education courses in these areas which benefits the student and allow them to get into the workforce much quicker."

KC will also be considering signing a quit claim deed, releasing the district's interest in the Crim Theater and The Texan.

The Crim and the Texan are owned by kilgore College, Kilgore school district and the city of Kilgore, said Holda. "The City of Kilgore is looking at acquiring grants for these properties and since KC has no vested interest financially, signing the quit claim deed it would relieve KC of any liability.

The city is discussing repairs to both abandoned theaters.

A new grant writing service will also being considered at this meeting. JCCI Company will be hired to write Title III grants if the board approves the contract.

These grants can be in the millions of dollars and require a great deal of time and expertise specifically for these type of grants and will benefit KC, said Holda.

The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday night on the second floor of the administration building.