Texas Tribune database misleading on salaries for continuing education adjuncts

Dr. Eric Reno, president at Northeast Lakeview College, responded to a message The Ranger left with Melissa Weathersby, director of corporate training and continuing education at Northeast Lakeview College, requesting to speak to Palmgren about his duties at the college.

Reno said the college works with Rackspace Hosting to train people for high technology jobs available in San Antonio.

According to the Rackspace website, the company provides hosting to businesses worldwide. Its headquarters is at 5000 Walzem Road at Interstate 35.

According to the San Antonio Business Journal, the district received a $4.78 million Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to provide training to Rackspace employees. It began Aug. 21, 2008, and ends May 30.

Mario Muñiz, district director of public relations, provided a copy of the grant to The Ranger April 30.

The grant details classes that will be taught at Northeast Lakeview, the responsibilities of both parties and a detailed budget.

On Page 29, it states $136,000 is allotted for personnel.

However, some aspects of budget details are redacted.

Muniz said he thinks the state redacted information before giving it to the Alamo Colleges because it involves competitive aspects of Rackspace’s business.

Lisa Givens, spokesperson for the Texas Workforce Commission, said that is a likely reason for the redaction, but could not confirm that information before press time.

Reno said the professors are well-versed in their jobs at the college but may not know the entire scope of the IT services continuing education program.

He said he can arrange for a tour of the program for Ranger reporters rather than allowing them to speak with instructors.

He said he would hate to see something published about the program without context.

A meeting and tour of the program with a Ranger reporter, Reno, Kathi Ashworth, dean of community education and workforce development, and Melissa Weathersby, director of corporate training and continuing education, is scheduled within the next week to discuss continuing education instructor pay, the expiration of the grant and the purpose of courses enabled by the grant.

To view The Texas Tribune’s Alamo Colleges salary database, visit http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/government-employee-salaries/alamo-colleges/.