AHOSKIE – One more year.

Dr. Claude Odom earned that amount of time here Tuesday night where the Chairman of the Roanoke-Chowan Community College Board of Trustees was elected to another one-year term.

"I appreciate your vote of confidence to allow me to continue in this capacity," Dr. Odom said just after his selection by acclamation. "I am looking forward to an exciting year and a year of growth here at Roanoke-Chowan Community College."

Odom was nominated by Trustee Donna Jenkins. After no other nominations were heard, a motion was entered for Dr. Odom's election by acclamation, which passed unanimously.

Trustee Jim Farmer nominated fellow board member Virginia Spruill for the position of Vice-Chairman. Spruill was also the unanimous choice of the board.

In other matters brought before the Trustees on Tuesday:

Witnessed the swearing in of three board members n Johnnie G. Reid of Murfreesboro (appointed by the Hertford County Board of Education), Judy Overton of Windsor (appointed by NC Gov. Mike Easley) and Sue Lassiter of Ahoskie (appointed by the Hertford County Board of Commissioners).

Agreed to a resolution that approved a 48-month lease with University Lease.com in the amount of $70,841.74 for a telephone system package at the college.

Approved a line item proposal included in RCCC's 2005-06 budget that affords the Trustees a total of $36,960 for professional development, retreats and training conferences.

Approved the hiring of Belinda Smith (Registrar; annual salary of $29,172), Natasha Spellman (Early Childhood Faculty member; $36,333), Darcie Tumey (Office System Technology Faculty member; $35,973), Gloria Wiggins (Business Administration Faculty member; $31,122) and Thomas Hemphill (Director, Small Business Center; $45,779).

Approved the Student Fees for 2005-06. With the exception of the recent tuition hikes approved by the General Assembly ($50 for 1-10 class hours, $55 for 11-30 class hours, $60 for 31-100 class hours and $65 for 100-plus class hours), all fees are identical to last year except a new $2 annual charge for ABE/GED student insurance.

Learned that the General Assembly has passed the state budget bill, one that includes additional money for the community college system.

Heard a report from Robert E. Williams, Dean of RCCC's Continuing Education and Workforce Development. Williams said his department's Basic Skills program has met state and federal performance standards. He added that 584 students, or 78.92 percent, were retained and met their individual goals for advancement. This mark exceeds both the federal (60 percent) and state (75 percent) standards for retention.

Williams also announced his retirement, effective Oct. 1, after 31 years of service.