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The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to approve a $15 million budget for the 2012-2013 budget year.

The unanimously approved budget includes the elimination of seven positions and is $600,000 less than last year's budget.

The college eliminated the director of instructional support and distance learning, office assistant for community education, specialist in continuing education, Web coordinator and three half-time assistant positions.

Two other vacant positions were also eliminated.

Tuition revenue is based upon 48,000 credit hours which is down from 52,570 from last year. The college increased its tuition by $3 per credit hour.

“Eliminating positions was the last measure considered in the budget process, but unfortunately we had to make tough decisions to live within our means,” Dr. John Letts, JWCC president said.  “The changes should not impact student services and we have many initiatives underway to help enrollment figures improve.”