Coast district responds to governor’s plan for a fully online community college by saying it’s already a leader in online education
Following Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal last month for California to launch a fully online community college geared toward working adults, Coast Community College District trustees discussed the matter during a meeting Wednesday, saying they’re already leaders in online education.
In his 2018-19 budget plan, Brown proposed spending $120 million to open such a college by fall 2019 with a focus on credentialing in child development, the service sector, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, in-home support services and other areas for students who lack a college credential and need additional skills for career advancement.
Trustees of the California Community Colleges system initially would serve as the board of the online college.
“It’s early on in the process; we’re anxious to see how this unfolds,” said Andy Dunn, vice chancellor of finance and administrative services for the Coast Community College District, which includes Orange Coast College, Golden West College and Coastline Community College.
Though California Community Colleges already provides online classes, Brown says his proposal could benefit 2.5 million students ages 25 to 34 through a “unified strategy” to provide online programs and flexible learning options for those who work or otherwise can’t attend college in person.
But Coast Community College District trustees Lorraine Prinsky, Jerry Patterson and Jim Moreno voiced concerns about Brown’s proposal and said the funds could be used to bolster programs already in place.
Moreno said the Coast district already is a leader in online education through Coastline.
The Fountain Valley-based college, founded in 1976, provides online programs marketed to military and incarcerated students beyond Orange County and California, district spokeswoman Letitia Clark said Thursday.
“We’ve been doing it for a very long time,” Clark said. “If they want to rely on experts, they should come to our district.”
Trustees will discuss the topic further during a budget study session in March.
Twitter: @vegapriscella
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