California’s budget crisis is impacting higher education for the worst. Luckily, Pierce College will most likely be spared because of savvy financial decisions made by Pierce President Robert Garber.
In contrast, some community colleges in the state, facing ongoing budget cuts, canceled their winter intersession classes and are also considering scaling down the summer intersession courses offered.
“This comes at the worst possible time,” statewide Vice Chancellor Erik Skinner said in a Jan. 13 article published on the Community College Week Web site. Higher unemployment rates increase enrollment demand.
The Los Angeles Community College District has been quiet on the issue. The district’s Web site does not mention the budget crisis and trustees were unavailable for comment as of Thursday.
According to Garber, Pierce has sources of income such as lease revenue from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Orange Line. Additionally, Garber credits Pierce faculty and staff for using good financial judgment throughout the academic year.
Pierce is truly fortunate in that our school can increase its enrollment and will not have to take the drastic measures other schools have taken. Thank you, President Garber.
