With state funding failing to support students’ needs, the California community college system is turning directly their own counties for salvation. Amidst state funding decreases for colleges that eliminate courses and faculty, the Foothill-De Anza community college district looks toward an unlikely hero: the parcel tax.
A parcel tax, such as the one that supports K-12 schools throughout the state, would restore many of the courses and faculty positions that have been cut throughout the past years due to drastic state funding cuts.
Such a measure failed at the ballot box in 2010. The proposed measure would have cost Santa Clara County residents $69 per parcel but would have offered a significant return to Foothill-De Anza students. The measure did not meet the required two-thirds vote.
“There are no official plans at this point to reintroduce a parcel tax,” said Kevin McElroy, vice chancellor of business services. While he notes that last year’s parcel tax loss was “very unfortunate,” he said that the Board of Trustees is sensitive to introducing a new tax during a troubling economic period and may table it, waiting for a more ideal time to reconsider the measure.
McElroy said that now is the time for students to bring up the parcel tax again.
“[Students should be] sending some kind of coordinated committee to the Board of Trustees from the student body,” said McElroy. He also said students can show their support by being “willing ready and able” to help the potential measure.
Jesse Rothstein, UC Berkeley professor of public policy and economics, said he believes communities at large may be willing to help young minds flourish.
“If the state’s not going to come through on its end, it’s not that surprising that folks would pick up the ball,” said Rothstein.
According to the 2010-2011 adopted budget, $10.6 million has already been eliminated from operating expenses and the elimination has forced reductions in staff, services and courses. The effects of the budget cutting are already being felt in student enrollment.
The Foothill-De Anza 2010-2011 adopted budget shows that student enrollment has been decreasing since 2009. While there are no direct statistics linking a lack of funding to decreased student enrollment, McElroy said he thinks students “don’t bother applying” and are wary of huge waiting lists and knowing that some classes would simply not be available.
After drastic cuts to personal enrichment and lifelong learning courses at Foothill and De Anza colleges, McElroy said that cuts are being made “across the board now,” and are affecting core areas such as general education, career and basic skill fields.
DASB Senate meetings are held on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Council Chambers in the Hinson Campus Center.
