The County Needs Another University

I am writing in response to the article headlined “Fewer County Graduates Go to State Colleges” (April 11). I was appalled at the insensitive comments of certain administrators who suggested college attendance is down in Ventura County due to an “attitudinal issue” on the part of high school students. I don’t believe this is an attitudinal issue at all, at least not on the part of the majority of students.

The issue here is the availability of a good college education in our county. For young people who have jobs or children, or who do not have cars, driving a one-way hour commute to Cal State Northridge or UC Santa Barbara may not be possible or realistic.

I am an elementary school teacher with two children. My college education has been a very high priority to me. However, if it were not for the Ventura campus of Cal State Northridge, I would not be able to pursue my education. It is not possible for me to commute two hours a day to school, be effective in my job and spend the time with my family which is so important.

Let’s stop blaming the high school students for their “attitude” problem. The problem lies with the administrators who can’t see the need for a university in Ventura County.

MARLEEN P. CARTER

Ojai