Press Releases 2009

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

May 12, 2009

CABRILLO COLLEGE GOVERNING BOARD ISSUES RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSITIONS 1A THROUGH 1F

APTOS, CA—Last evening during its monthly meeting, the Cabrillo College Governing Board voted in favor of Resolution 042-09: Resolution in Support of Propositions 1A through 1F.

The college has undergone several budget cuts in the recent past due the state’s declining revenues, which has impacted the college’s ability to handle record demand for its services. The college has grown by 2,250 full-time equivalent students, an

As a key driver in Santa Cruz County’s economic recovery, Cabrillo educates more than 24,000 students and transfers more than 900 students to four-year institutions every year. This June, it is expecting more than 1,000 students to graduate with a degree or certificate.

“If Propositions 1A through 1F do not pass this May 19, Cabrillo will be hit with a minimum of an additional $3.9 million in reductions beyond the $5 million the college has already taken,” stated Brian King, Cabrillo College President. “Those reductions will directly impact our ability to serve those students in greatest need of what we have to offer—in particular those people who have been recently laid off and high school graduates who have been turned away at UCs and CSUs. With fewer class offerings and support services, students will take longer to complete their course of study and many will just drop out. This delays students’ entry into the workforce, which continues to slow our county’s, our state’s and our country’s economic recovery. It’s a tortuous cycle.”

Cabrillo College career technical education students increase their earnings an average of 71% upon completing their course of study. The college educates homegrown talent in critical employment sectors—more than 100 nurses, firefighters, law

At present, the college is serving 1,800 full-time equivalent students for which it receives no additional funds in its state apportionment. This is a $9 million shortfall to the college.

“Passage of these ballot measures will mean secure and stable funding for Cabrillo and other community colleges,” declared Rebecca Garcia, Cabrillo College Governing Board Chair, “Without their passage, it could also mean continuing staff hiring freezes, the curtailing of part-time faculty hires, and the inability of the college to fully serve the community. As an elected official and concerned citizen, I urge Santa Cruz County voters to vote in favor of Propositions 1A through 1F.”
For a copy of the Cabrillo College Governing Board Resolution 042-09, contact Mary Planding at 831-479-6158 or email: mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu.

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 technical education programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of achievement, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Its 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.