SANTA CLARITA — The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday night calling on state legislators to set partisanship aside and act swiftly to solve the state’s projected $42 billion budget deficit — while preserving California community college’s ability to continue to contribute to the state’s future well-being.
The resolution outlined how students from all segments of society are turning to community colleges in general, and College of the Canyons specifically, to acquire new skills that will make them more competitive in the workplace.
In urging the legislature to move forward with adoption of a working budget, the resolution encouraged legislators to strongly consider the crucial roles that community colleges can and will play in California’s economic recovery.
Text of the adopted resolution:
RESOLUTION 2008/09-16
In Support of Solving the California State Budget Crisis of 2008/09
Whereas, California Community Colleges are the backbone of the higher education system in California by serving more than 2.7 million students a year; and
Whereas, enrollment growth at College of the Canyons is surging by double-digit amounts as unemployment rates rise and community members turn to their community colleges to learn new skills; and
Whereas, students are turning to College of the Canyons as they are turned away in record numbers from UC and CSU schools; and
Whereas, College of the Canyons, in an effort to serve the burgeoning number of students and community members who desperately need our help, is doing so by serving more students than the State is funding; and
Whereas, the College of the Canyons Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff are committed to providing access to and finding new ways to fund education, training and skills important to keeping Californians employed; and
Whereas, California faces its worst budget shortfall in history that could affect all services it directly or indirectly provides to its citizens; and
Whereas, serious-minded citizens know that solving the California budget crisis will mean sacrifices by everyone; and
Whereas, the California Legislature has refused to adopt a budget plan that would allow California institutions to meet the needs of California citizens.
Therefore Let It Be Further Resolved that the Santa Clarita Community College District hereby urges the Legislature to consider the crucial roles that Community Colleges can and will play in the economic recovery of our communities, our regions and our state and, by doing so, preserve through strategic funding, their ability to contribute to California’s future well-being.
In Witness of the adoption of the foregoing Resolution 2008/09-16 at a duly called regular meeting of the Santa Clarita Community College Board of Trustees held Tuesday, February 17, 2009, the following members of said Board have affixed their signatures.
Board of Trustees of the Santa Clarita Community College District
Joan W. MacGregor, President
Scott Thomas Wilk, Vice President
Bruce D. Fortine, Clerk
Michele R. Jenkins, Member
Ernest L. Tichenor, Member
