Plight of Colleges

Our community colleges play an important role in California’s educational system, and Palomar College is no exception. Some attend Palomar and enroll in classes which can then be transferred to universities leading toward an advanced degree; some attend to acquire job skills, others to learn English, still others to indulge in creative leisure.

In fact, the Postsecondary Education Commission reports that California community colleges prepare more than 5,000 registered nurses a year, 8,000 electronic technicians and nearly 15,000 health specialists such as dental hygienists and X-ray technologists. It is estimated that directly or indirectly the community colleges contribute nearly $7 billion to the state’s economy. Community colleges make a vital and important contribution to our society and economy.

While recognizing the vital role of the community college, it is also important to note that the University of California system receives $4,300 per undergraduate student to provide educational services. In comparison, the California community colleges only receive $1,700 per student. This disparity makes it even more challenging for those in the community college system to provide quality education. Palomar College has been prudent and responsible with the limited funds received. However, the voters of our area need to be aware of the current “political football game” being played in Sacramento with some of the community college funding.

Last year, Gov. George Deukmejian promised California’s community colleges funds for matriculation. Matriculation funds are a major concern because these funds will enable community colleges to do a better job at testing, counseling and placement of students to provide a greater success in college.

Funds for these programs were included in the budget recommended by the legislature last year. However, the governor refused to release the funds at that time until receiving a report from the Commission for the Review of the Master Plan for Higher Education in California. In March of this year, the commission completed its report. It is quite interesting to note that one of the recommendations was that “the Board of Governors require a mandatory assessment, counseling, placement and follow-up program in the California Community Colleges and that the Legislature and governor provide adequate funding for the program.” In other words--provide funds for matriculation!

Again this year the Legislature included the much needed funds in its budget, however now the governor refuses to release the funds for another reason. He has placed the money in a “set aside” fund until the Legislature allocates money in the State Employees Retirement Fund to build up the state reserve to $1 billion.

Community college funds are being held ransom by the governor until the Legislature does what he wants. The problem is urgent for Palomar College. The college budget is already drained to minimum levels. The college could lose almost $700,000 in anticipated revenue unless these funds are released.

California community colleges play a vital role in our state and education system. We can’t afford to have them become a “political football.”

BARBARA HUGHES

President

Palomar College Board of Trustees