December 2, 2004

BOARD EXTENDS UI FOUNDATION LOANS
BSU OFFERS COACH DAN HAWKINS NEW CONTRACT

POCATELLO – The State Board of Education voted unanimously to extend the University of Idaho Foundation's $5 million loan from the University of Idaho.

“I want to commend the foundation for their significant achievement in reducing their debt in the past year,” said State Board of Education President Rod Lewis. “They have acted in good faith to repay the loan and because of their efforts the Board voted to extend for one year the loan between the University and the Foundation.”

A second Foundation loan for approximately $2 million from the University is due December 31, 2005.

The Board approved Boise State University's proposal to offer Coach Dan Hawkins, BSU's football coach, a 5-year contract that would be effective upon Hawkins' acceptance. The terms of the agreement include a $525,000 base salary, $160,000 of which are state funds. The contract also includes bonuses for a winning record, poll rankings and student academic performance.

Other decisions at the meeting included:

• The UI announced a proposed sublease of 45,000 square feet of office space at the Idaho Water Center to CH2M Hill and described UI's plans to relocate current UI operations into the building. To facilitate additional UI occupancy and accommodate the sublease by CH2M Hill, the Board voted to allow the University of Idaho to make $3 million in improvements to the Idaho Water Center in Boise. The $3 million includes $1.3 million to be financed by the Idaho State Building Authority and $1.7 million from institution funds.

• By a unanimous vote, the Board tabled the University of Idaho's request to submit a student fee proposal of greater than 10 percent. The Board encouraged the university to come to the Board at a later time with more information.

• The Board approved the donation of 160 acres of undeveloped forestland in Kootenai County to the University of Idaho.

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