West Valley Occupational Center provides career training to help people succeed in future jobs at low or no cost, but the possible closure of the school will limit choices in education.
West Valley is also one of the 400 California adult schools that assist parents, older adults, disabled adults and recent immigrants.
If the school closes its doors, not only are people left with fewer options of hands-on experience before a real job, but everyone working there will lose employment.
The Roundup ran an article stating that the school is funded until June 30 and after, its future will be determined on the May revision of the state budget.
Though this may not sound like a certain decision yet, the $557 million shortfall in budget makes it impossible for me to believe that a school can surpass that.
According to the West Valley Occupational Center’s website, only some courses are transferable to local community colleges.
The time and money put into those classes will suddenly become a waste for many students, eventually they will have to retake them and spend twice the amount.
Shouldn’t there be an exception to policies and regulations when a situation like this happens?
It’s bad enough for students to have fewer classes and increasing prices but now the threat to close a career education school will leave students a step behind.
Yes, adults and students can count on private schools and community colleges for further need but it’s not like the financial status there is any better.
At this point, nothing secures a student that tomorrow the college they are attending won’t be facing the same challenges.
Around 30 other LAUSD schools will also be affected by this decision, according to West Valley’s assistant principal, Don Kihara.
Many people may argue that adult schools are not necessary or better yet helpful because the possibility of adults to obtain jobs are slim, but these centers provide much more then career training.
A student can earn a high school diploma or GED, learn English, apply for internships and most importantly achieve goals and upgrade personal skills.
To someone elderly personal achievements are much more rewarding.
Everyone deserves a chance to improve and succeed at his or her own pace, whether it may be for a professional job or simply a hobby.
