Press Releases 2007

CONTACT: Mary Planding, Director, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-6158
mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu

September 21, 2007

CABRILLO COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE
IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE GOVERNANCE, FUNDING AND STUDENT FEE REDUCTION ACT

Monday, September 24, 2007, 11:30 am – 12:15 p.m.
Front steps, Cabrillo College Watsonville Center, 318 Union Street, Watsonville

APTOS, CA—Members of the Cabrillo College Governing Board will be present at a press conference on Monday, September 24, 2007 to add their voices in support of the Community College Governance, Funding Stabilization and Student Fee Reduction Act. This state bill would provide stable funding, predictable student fees, local control and the ability to provide effective leadership for the system of 110 colleges.

“Should the voters pass this legislation, it would mean Cabrillo would no longer compete with our local K-12 schools for Proposition 98 funding, community college funding would be stabilized and student fees would become even more affordable,” stated Cabrillo College President and Superintendent Dr. Brian King.

While California community colleges are acknowledged nationwide for offering an excellent education for the lowest overall tuition and fees in the country, the tuition rate has fluctuated dramatically over the past five years causing many students to delay their education for financial reasons. Presently, California community college tuition is at $20 per unit, down from a high of $26 per unit. The Dream Act would further reduce student tuition to $15 per unit and limit future increases to a cost of living adjustment.

“California community colleges’ mission is to provide a college education for everyone who wants one,” declared Rebecca Garcia, Cabrillo College Area V Trustee, “this legislation is an important step forward in ensuring equal access to all people who wish to further their educational goals and thereby improve the quality of their lives. We are very proud of Cabrillo’s ability to fulfill its mission and with the hopeful passage of this bill, look forward to being able to assist even more students in achieving their dreams.”

The ballot measure is slated for the February 8 statewide election. For the complete text of the ballot measure, visit: http://www.caag.state.ca.us/initiatives/pdf/06-0030.pdf.

About Cabrillo College

Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technology programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of proficiency, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Our mission is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.