College District Finances Argue Against Faculty Pay Hike Now

In “Pay Deadlock Shapes Saddleback Races” (Oct. 21), several statements were made that were inaccurate. Class sections offered at the two colleges of the Saddleback Community College District have steadily increased, not decreased, as have enrollments. In addition, dividing the district into two community college districts would result in additional costs, not savings, as functions such as personnel, payroll and data-processing services would have to be duplicated.

With regard to focusing a larger percentage of district revenue to the classroom, 81.1% of the district 1992-93 total general fund unrestricted budget of $63,913,463 is expended for salaries and benefits all employees of the SCCD, including staff and faculty at both colleges and district services. Administrative salaries account for only 4.5% of the general fund budget.

The Times has accurately assessed the situation as a battle over faculty pay raises. With no cost-of-living increases from the state in two years, greater numbers of students attending Irvine Valley and Saddleback colleges every year, and the likelihood of reduced state funding in 1993-94, the incumbent board and chancellor view the current faculty demand for a 10% pay increase as fiscally unsound.

DIANE RIOPKA

Public Information Director

Saddleback Community College District